Adelaide utility Maddi Newman says her second-quarter goal against West Coast on Saturday was “one of the most bizarre things” she has ever seen.
Taking the opportunity to push forward from the wing, Newman received a handball from Hannah Munyard and without hesitation sent a snap goalward.
An effort she described as a “shank”, the ball seemed destined to be gathered by a well-positioned Mackenzie Webb near the behind post, before a fortunate bounce saw it bounce over the Eagles defender’s head and trickle over the goal-line.
Speaking to AFC Media on Tuesday, Newman recounted her thoughts as the piece of play transpired.
“It was quite a bizarre moment really, I got the ball from Hannah (Munyard) and just shanked it really, it went straight up in the air and I thought geez that wasn’t my best effort,” Newman said.
“The ball bounced pretty close to the behind post and fortunately enough it took one of the best bounces of all time and turned towards the goals.
“I did feel a little bad for the Eagles defender, who did everything right to mop it up on the goal line, and it was just one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen.
“All the girls were in shock after it happened, our reaction sort of says it all, and after the game the coaches were telling me they haven’t seen a worse goal than that.”
The goal capped off an impressive afternoon for Newman, who gathered 19 disposals, took six marks and added a second major.
She was one of a group of younger Crows who stood up, with three-time premiership stars Chelsea Randall, Anne Hatchard and Stevie-Lee Thompson among six players managed for the clash.
“It was a really good challenge for us, and it was awesome to see some of our younger leaders step up and take charge in the absence of some of our top players,” Newman said.
“The game was a really good opportunity for some of the young girls to come in and show what they can do.
“Keeley Kustermann hadn’t played a game all year and came in and kicked a goal, Chippy (Brooke Smith) debuted and was great, it was just awesome to see our depth on full display and we all enjoyed the trip to Perth.”
With the Home and Away season wrapped up, and the minor premiership secured, Adelaide will begin its sixth AFLW finals campaign against Brisbane at Norwood Oval on Saturday.
Newman said the group was happy with what they had achieved thus far, but also acknowledged that the group was yet to realise its full potential in 2023.
“It’s been a really good season so far, but we feel that it’s only the beginning and we haven’t put together a four quarter performance just yet,” Newman said.
“So it is exciting to know that we’ve still got the best footy ahead of us coming into finals, and with some fresh legs set to come back in, we are really excited to take on the challenge the next four weeks will present.
“With Brisbane this weekend, we’ve just got to make sure our pressure is at the level for all four quarters, they got the better of us a few weeks ago so we are super keen to get some revenge.”
Adelaide faces Brisbane in a Qualifying Final at Norwood Oval on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce at 2.35pm (ACDT).
