Adelaide United goalkeeper Kelly Barltrop sets sights on W-League game time

THREE years ago, Kelly Barltrop was taking her first steps as a goalkeeper - now she is staking a claim for Adelaide United's number one shirt.

Keeper targets Lady Reds dream

THREE years ago, Kelly Barltrop was taking her first steps as a goalkeeper, petrified of diving and getting hit by the ball.

Now the Paralowie resident is regarded as the best shotstopper in SA women's football and is staking a claim for Adelaide United's number one shirt.

"It was quite scary at first because you had people hitting balls at you," the 20-year-old recalls of her first goalkeeper training session.

"It was really nerve-racking because I didn't know how to dive and had that fear of falling."

Barltrop recently signed on for a second season with the Lady Reds, just weeks after being named the SA Women's Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year.

The Para Hills custodian admits the accolades are a far cry from her first taste of life between the posts after being asked to train with the SA Sports Institute in 2010.

Standing 183cm, Barltrop was spotted by coach Kevin McCormack while lining up as an outfield player at the state championships.

"Kevin came up to me and said 'you're pretty tall, can you catch?'

"I said I played netball for 10 years and he said 'you'd be a really good keeper'.

"At first I thought, 'what have I got myself into', but ever since I started playing, I've just loved it."

Despite getting no W-League game time as back-up keeper last season, Barltrop says the experience improved her as a player.

She now has her sights set on dislodging United's new number one, former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri.

"Even just training with her is a great experience and she's always got your back and is giving you support.

"Just because I'm not first choice (keeper), I can't wait to get all her experience and make myself a better keeper."