He burst onto the scene as a teenager with Sydney FC but the switch to Adelaide United has seen the coming of age of George Blackwood.
The APIA Leichhardt product has been a key cog in the Reds’ success this season, shouldering the burden of leading the attack for Marco Kurz’s side.
His winner against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday took his season tally to four from 15 appearances.
And that goal over the weekend highlighted just how devastating Blackwood’s game can be.
He raced clear of the Phoenix defence from the halfway line, held off two defenders and still had the composure to finish the chance through the legs of keeper Lewis Italiano.
And it’s not just the 20-year-old’s prowess in front of goal that has matured since his move to the City of Churches.
His link-up play with his midfielders, strength on the ball and work-rate has been a real feature of his 2017/18 Season so far.
Blackwood is also a core member of the Australian U23 side, bagging a brace in their win at the AFC U-23 Championships against Syria earlier this month.
His confidence and strength combined with a desire to succeed should only see him remain in Kurz’s plans as the Reds chance a finals berth – and possibly some silverware – at the business end of the season.
