For Isabel Hodgson, Finals football always means something special. But this one feels a little different.
As the Reds prepare for an Elimination Final against Brisbane Roar on Saturday, the long-time captain knows exactly what’s at stake – not just in terms of the result, but for a group that has built something meaningful together.
Speaking exclusively to Ten News Adelaide, Izzy said: “We don’t want this game on the weekend to be our last game playing together, [this season]” Hodgson said. “That just gives another layer of passion that we want to win that game and get on to the next.”
It’s a line that captures the emotion surrounding this United side as it heads into another Finals campaign.
For Hodgson, who has been with the club through the difficult years as well as the recent rise, there is pride in seeing Finals football become an expectation rather than a surprise.
“If you know anything about the history of the club, this is not a common occurrence,” she said. “So we’ve really got to take full advantage of the chance that we have.”
At the same time, she sees the shift in mentality inside the squad as a sign of real progress.
“I like the fact that the young ones coming through now see us as people who do make the finals,” she said. “It’s great that we’ve been able to turn the story around.”
That transformation has been built by players like Hodgson – leaders who have carried standards, belief and culture through every stage of the club’s journey.
This season has looked a little different for the captain personally, with her role shifting between starts, substitute appearances and leadership from the sidelines. But her mindset has never changed.
“For me, it’s just about focusing on myself and trying to play as best as I can,” she said. “Whether that is starting a game, or whether that’s coming on as an impact player, I just want to do what’s necessary in the interest of the team.”
That selflessness has defined her year.
Whether wearing the armband on the pitch or barking instructions from the bench, Hodgson remains one of the Reds’ driving forces.
“Sometimes I’m louder when I’m sitting on the bench because I’ve got more time to think about what I’m going to say,” she said with a smile. “Wherever I am, I just want to make sure I’m doing what’s best for the team.”
Even those little moments – getting under the opposition’s skin, encouraging teammates, finding any edge she can – speak to the competitive spirit that continues to shape this group.
And now, with knockout football here again, Hodgson believes the Reds are better placed for the challenge than they were 12 months ago.
“The first Final you play, it’s all a new experience,” she said. “At least now we’ve had a couple under our belt where we know what to expect. We know we’re going to be nervous, but we know we can perform.”
That experience matters.
But what matters just as much is the bond within the squad – a team full of close friends, shared memories, and a collective determination to keep this run going.
“We’ve been playing football with each other for a really long time,” Hodgson said. “So we don’t want this to be the end.”
That is what makes this Final feel bigger than just one game.
For Hodgson, it’s about giving everything she has – whatever role she’s asked to play – for the club and the teammates beside her.
The Reds are heading north for Finals football once more. And their captain is ready to lead, in every way she can.
