Adelaide midfielder Sarah Goodwin can remember watching the Crows take on the Power in AFL Showdowns growing up, with the games being her favourite of the footy calendar.
Now, as a player, Showdowns mean so much more to Goodwin.
Her AFLW career began with Port Adelaide in 2022 (Season Seven), before being traded to the Crows ahead of the 2023 campaign.
The 21-year-old spoke to AFC Media ahead of this Friday night’s game against the Club’s crosstown rivals, and said she was looking forward to lining up in her fourth Showdown for the Crows.
“The atmosphere of a Showdown isn’t like any other minor round game, it’s a big game, and you want to be playing in those big games,” Goodwin said.
“It’s so special to play in a Showdown and I feel really privileged to be able to play for the team I grew up supporting.
“I watched the boys play when I was little with my family and they were the games you marked in your calendar at the start of the season, so I can’t wait to get out there and play in ours this Friday.”
Goodwin is enjoying a career-best campaign with the Crows, following a positional switch from defence into the midfield which has her averaging 17.8 disposals across 10 games.
The 21-year-old said she had enjoyed moving into the midfield, and was learning the ropes with the help of three-time premiership on-baller and reigning League Best and Fairest Ebony Marinoff.
“I knew I had the ability to play more around the ball but I didn’t think I would go straight in there this year, so I’m super grateful that Doc (Senior Coach Matthew Clarke) backed me in,” Goodwin said.
“I love playing around the ball with the likes of Noffy, it’s been super cool to learn off her, and setting myself a new challenge of learning a new position.”
“I did a lot of running during the off-season with Noffy to try and build a base to run around in the mid.”
The Crows will be looking to bounce back after a loss to ladder-leaders North Melbourne last weekend, while the Power are coming off a victory against Hawthorn.
Adelaide is seventh on the ladder with two games remaining in the home and away season, and will need a win to keep in touch with the top eight and a charge towards finals.
“It’s going to be a huge game in the context of our season on Friday night, so everyone is roaring to go,” Goodwin said.
“Port is a really good contest team and they love to surge the ball, so if we can get on top in the contest, that will go a really long way to beating them.
“Personally, it would be really special to beat them, playing against an old team is a weird feeling, but hopefully we can get the job done.”
Showdown Four will be Adelaide’s home game, with the match being hosted at Norwood Oval under lights on Friday.
Goodwin hoped to see as many Crows fans at the ground, cheering on the team as it looked to continue its unblemished Showdown record.
“I encourage everyone to come along and support us,” Goodwin said.
“It’s going to be a huge game and we’d love to have your support to help us get across the line.”
Adelaide faces Port Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Friday at 7.05pm.
Tickets available here.
