Adelaide winger Madison Newman says her strong start to the 2023 AFLW season can be credited to the hard work she put in during the pre-season.

Newman is coming off a career-best performance in the win against Gold Coast on Sunday, amassing 25 disposals, nine marks and 501 metres gained. 

The 21-year-old also featured in the Coaches Votes for the second time this year, receiving seven votes for her Round Five performance.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Newman, who was drafted as a defender, said locking down a role on the wing this season had been a catalyst for reaching career-best form and had helped build consistency.

“I think I have had a really big pre-season and have set myself up really well,” Newman said.

“I have really been working on my contest and my run throughout pre-season and even pre pre-season, so I think I have set myself up to be quite consistent and play my role for the team.

“I was sort of thrown a little bit around between all the different lines in the first part of my career.

“(I have) really cemented my spot on the wing and am really trying to learn that craft.

Adelaide remains undefeated with a 5-0 win/loss record and Newman praised the side's depth, with youngsters stepping up to help cover the injured Stevie-Lee Thompson, Najwa Allen and Vice Captain, Sarah Allan.

“The young girls have really stepped up with the likes of Sarah Goodwin, Kiera Mueller and Zoe Prowse, who have been standouts for us this season," Newman said.

“Just for them to take on that role and grab it with both hands has been really impressive.

“It’s a credit to us for our great pre-season and the girls showing maturity and stepping up."

Adelaide will take on Season Seven flag winners Melbourne in a top-of-the-table clash this Saturday afternoon.

Newman said the side was looking forward to the big game.

“It’s probably the toughest challenge we will have this year,” Newman said.

“We are really looking forward to it, I think it will be a really good test for us to see where we are at.

“We obviously played Gold Coast on the weekend, that was a great contested game, so I think that sets us up really well for this weekend.

“We know they are really good with their ball movement, so (it’s) just about making sure we make it a good contest and don’t let them get that outside run.”

Adelaide plays Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday at 2.35pm (ADST).