DEBUT seasons do not come much better than Sarah Goodwin‘s in 2021. The Glenelg Women’s teenager not only stepped up to the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s level, but collected a premiership medallion and Breakthrough Player nomination. The bottom-age talent admitted it was “a bit daunting” at first, but being able to play alongside some other young players helped her fit in well.

“I’ve always gone through the juniors at Glenelg,” Goodwin said. “I first started playing footy at school for a knockout and then a friend asked me if I wanted to play club, so I joined Plympton. “Played a couple of years there, then moved to Goodwood Saints, played a couple there and then tried out for Glenelg last year. “Had a good year last year.”

Though most young players might have to wait a while to debut, especially in a team as strong as Glenelg, Goodwin heard her name called out for team selection in the opening round.

“That was super exciting, obviously nerve-wracking in Round 1, but it was good to get one out of the way and we had a good win, so it was good,” Goodwin said.

The speedy midfielder rates not only her pace, but also her marking, kicking and agility as some of her strengths on the field. It enables her to move well around the ground and find the ball in space, whilst she is now looking to “pinpoint the kicks a bit more” and increase the length of her handballing agility.

Playing nine games and only missing one due to a slight hamstring tear, Goodwin had a bit of a rest for a big finals series. In her final four games, Goodwin did not dip below double-digit disposals, and was one of the Bays’ best on the big stage. Against West Adelaide on Grand Final Day, Goodwin racked up 13 disposals and seven inside 50s in the 23-point victory.

“That was an unreal experience. Obviously the premiership and all, but it was quite surreal in the first year playing,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin has been named in the 2022 South Australian Under 18s State Academy, and said she will “give it my all”, looking forward to the opportunities that come with that development aspect. As for what Glenelg will need to do to stay at the top of the SANFL Women’s competition, Goodwin said it was about gelling with the fresh faces at the Bays.

“With the Development League coming in this year it’s going to be a bit more interesting,” she said. “Certainly gelling more as a team because we have a lot of new girls, but keep working on our strengths as a team.”