“I believe we have a special group and can achieve great things this season,” is the message from Craig Goodwin after the Adelaide United star signed a permanent deal with his hometown club.
Goodwin had spent the past two Isuzu UTE A-League seasons on loan with Adelaide, however, the Reds favourite has agreed a contract until the end of the 2024-25 campaign following the mutual termination of his deal at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Wehda.
The Australia international soared to dizzying heights with Adelaide in 2021-22, scoring 11 goals and supplying eight assists in 28 games as the Reds reached the A-League Men Semi-Finals.
He also became Adelaide’s all-time leading goalscorer in ALM history, while claiming his second Aurelio Vidmar Medal.
“I’m incredibly excited for the seasons to come with Adelaide United,” Goodwin said.
“I had a few different options, but Adelaide was always our preference – this is our home and we wanted our future as a family to be here.
“Even though last season didn’t end the way we wanted, we continued to improve throughout the year and it was memorable for the entire team.
“I believe we have a special group and can achieve great things this season, winning silverware with this club is the goal.
“This season is promising to be one of the most exciting to date and I can’t wait to get back underway with the boys.”
Last season, Goodwin led the league in chances created (87), with an ALM-high 38 of those chances came via set-plays – six more than anyone else.
Goodwin also ranked first in carries ending in a scoring chance created (22).
Only Serginho (17 in 2010-11) and Bruce Djite (11 in 2015-16) have scored more goals for Adelaide in an ALM season than Goodwin. His assists were just one shy of the most by a Red in a campaign since Opta began collecting the data in 2012-13 – Goodwin himself (nine in 2018-19) and Sergio Cirio (nine in 2014-15).
“Craig’s contribution and positive impact not only on the team, but our entire club really speaks for itself, and we’re thrilled to have been able to keep him in Adelaide for another three seasons,” said Adelaide head coach Carl Veart.
“His quality and pedigree will continue to be paramount for our side, helping to drive high standards each and every day in training alongside our other experienced players.
“After the improvements we made last season, 2022-23 is promising to be another positive and competitive year and I know the entire team is ready to hit the ground running.”
