One of the most damaging players by both her disposal and metres gained is Glenelg’s Sarah Goodwin, who has bolted to be among the top AFLW Draft prospects this year. Off the back of a strong SANFLW season where Goodwin lifted her numbers and became a vital player in the Bays' defensive setup, she has found a home at half-back after spending time in the midfield last year.

One of the most potent, attacking defenders in the draft crop, Goodwin is best known for her run and carry off half-back, and she is not afraid to take those high-risk, high-reward kicks into the corridor. Possessing a deadly boot to make those passes, Goodwin has a terrific burst and can take a lot of grass, running from half-back to the wing. At times, Goodwin is often holding a high line on the wing and can even be stationed that kick behind play to send the ball back inside 50.

Her decision making and vision allow her to not only hit targets, but pick the right targets to hit, and that is what makes her all the more damaging from a footy IQ perspective. Her vision to quickly assess what is around her and create her own space, almost acts as a “worst case scenario” option when she is in trouble from an opponent. When having the game on her terms, Goodwin can propel off half-back and even win over 30 touches a game, being a really high accumulator who not only racks up the stats, but has an impact with just about every one.

Goodwin is definitely an outside player, with her contested work and strength areas to further improve on for the future. She competes one-on-one, but can get outmuscled at times, and a strong preseason at the elite level will help with that. Overall, Goodwin is the type of player who will be utilised in that running role with high hurt factor.