As Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s and Women’s sides prepare to kick off their 2025/26 campaigns, captains Craig Goodwin and Isabel Hodgson have delivered a united message – one built on pride, purpose, and an unrelenting hunger to win.
After two years abroad in Saudi Arabia, Goodwin’s return to Coopers Stadium has reignited belief among Reds fans and teammates alike. The Club’s all-time leading goalscorer says his motivation is simple.
“The goal in coming back was to win something, but to win something with Adelaide would mean more than winning with any other team” Goodwin said.
“The two biggest words for us is to be ruthless and relentless every single day in everything that we do. So whether it’s passing drills, warm-up in the gym, games, all areas – it’s about trying to be a winner and maintaining those high standards again and again and again”
Goodwin said the leadership group, under new Head Coach Airton Andrioli, has emphasised standards and accountability across the board – values that align perfectly with the Club’s South Australian identity.
“Whether you’re young or old, you have to be able to talk, to stand up, and to be demanding of your teammates around you,” he continued.
“If we’re not here to win, then what are we doing here?”
As for his return to Coopers Stadium Friday night, Goodwin admitted he’s already visualised the moment.
“Some of my best footballing memories have come in this stadium,” he said. “I look forward to making many more.”
For Isabel Hodgson, leading the Ninja A-League Women’s team into a new era comes with equal parts excitement and expectation.
“We had a successful season last year, and now it’s about building on that – we don’t take any steps backwards,” Hodgson said.
“The Club’s put us in a position to succeed. Now it’s up to us to get the job done.”
Hodgson, who has captained her hometown club through a period of steady growth, praised the stability within the squad and the strength of local connections that define the Reds’ women’s program.
“We’ve kept so many South Australian girls together – players who’ve been playing side by side since they were kids. That connection shows on the field,” she said.
And with seven home matches at Coopers Stadium this season, Hodgson says there’s no place her team would rather be.
“This is home for us. Nothing beats playing here at Coopers Stadium,” she said.
“Everyone says it’s the best field in Australia, and they’re right.”
As both our captains prepare to lead their sides back into battle, their messages carry the same theme, standards, belief, and belonging.
It’s Showtime!
