Chats with ‘Ted Lasso’ and new-found confidence: How Zarlie Goldsworthy came into her own at the Giants

At just 18, Zarlie Goldsworthy is already having a massive impact on the AFLW. But following her history-making performance on Saturday, she’s promised there is more to come.

Zarlie Goldsworthy and the Giants celebrate victory. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

As Zarlie Goldsworthy wheeled away following her fifth goal of the day against the Blues, she realised she was running out of ways to celebrate.

Earlier in the final term, she marked her third goal with a fist pump towards the scoreboard.. Her fourth goal saw a slightly more subdued jump into the arms of teammate Jess Doyle.

“([I’ll celebrate) with anyone to be honest,” Goldsworthy said.

“A lot of the girls were giving me s--t for it, but I don’t plan it or mean it, it’s just what happens in the moment.

“And in the moment, I just felt like turning to what was the crowd, but it turned out to just be the scoreboard in the end. So I was just celebrating six points.”

Goldsworthy runs to the forward pocked to celebrate her third goal of the day. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It was only the 16th game of Goldsworthy’s young career, but the crowd at Henson Park on Saturday knew they were witnessing something special.

The teenager became the youngest player in AFLW history to kick five goals in a game and single-handedly dragged the Giants over the line for just their second win of the season.

In a game where GWS was without the experienced duo of Alyce Parker and Rebecca Beeson, Goldsworthy took it on herself to step up and fill the void.

“I feel a lot more confident in myself and my role within the team,” Goldsworthy said.

“Last year being 17, I didn’t have a lot of confidence and didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Now I feel like I’ve gotten a bit of continuity with my position and just felt really comfortable and confident.

“Those two players are definitely irreplaceable. But I just thought, you know, I’m not going to be Alyce Parker but I can definitely just try and do my best to recreate her and put my own twist on it.”

It's the Zarlie Goldsworthy show at Henson Park 😍#ColesGoals | #AFLWDeadly | #AFLWGiantsBluespic.twitter.com/rtAAL0YmpH

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) October 21, 2023

It was a flawless day in front of goal for Goldsworthy. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The scoreboard wasn’t the only area where Goldsworthy managed to impact the game. She finished the day with 11 tackles, two of which lead to set shots on goal.

It’s a regular conversation she’s had with coach Cam Bernasconi about finding different ways to leave her mark.

“We had a coffee during the week and she’s having a good season but I still think she’s got a lot of growth as well,” Bernasconi said.

“You base your game around defence. Players love playing with players who value defence, and I think she’s doing a great job with that.

“I know she had a great game kicking five, but it’s her pressure acts, that’s why the girls love her.”

“I love Berna and as I’ve told him many times, he’s the ultimate hype girl,” Goldsworthy added. “He’s always going to be very encouraging. He’s a bit like Ted Lasso.

“I know there are areas in my game I want to work on and he’s gonna help me get there.”

Zarlie Goldsworthy with two goals and EIGHT tackles and it's not even half time.

Incredible to think she's only 18. #AFLW#AFLWGiantsBlues

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) October 21, 2023

Youngest players to kick 5+ goals in an #AFLW game
18y 337d - ZARLIE GOLDSWORTHY
21y 185d - Alyssa Bannan
23y 330d - Eden Zanker
24y 2d - Chloe Scheer
25y 132d - Tahlia Randall
26y 296d - Brooke Lochland

@GWSGIANTS#AFLWGiantsBlues@aflwomens

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) October 21, 2023

Carlton’s Dayna Finn felt the brunt of a Goldsworthy tackle. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The youngster from the Riverina has now put the competition on notice as one of the most damaging forwards going around.

And while this season’s Rising Star award is likely hers for the taking, her sights are only set on building long-term success for the Giants.

“The feeling was amazing,” Goldsworthy said. “When we sing the team song, we want to get everyone in the circle because we know it’s a full club effort.

“For me, why I feel like I’m getting some really good consistency with footy is that I’m not worried about any outside noise.

“I’ll continue sticking to my game plan and not worrying about anything that I can’t control.”