George Blackwood reveals he is enjoying his football and life in Adelaide following his move from Sydney FC during the off-season.
The Adelaide United striker dispatched a penalty to draw the Reds level in a modified friendly against Melbourne City, before Jordan O’Doherty struck a game-winning free-kick to prevail 2-1 at the City Football Academy on Tuesday.
Blackwood has thus far impressed, playing an influential role under Head Coach, Marco Kurz.
“It’s been really good so far,” he said.
“It’s a lot different style than what I was used to in Sydney and I’m really enjoying it and I’m enjoying getting game time as well.
“All the boys have been very welcoming here so I’ve fit in easily with all them and I’m really happy to be here and enjoying every minute of it so far.”
Blackwood said it has been a seamless transition moving to Adelaide from the east coast of Australia.
“It’s been awesome so far I’ve really enjoyed living here,” he said.
“I’m happy and I’m stoked with how everything has gone so far and it’s just been a pretty easy transition so far.”
The win against City extends the Reds’ unbeaten streak to six matches over the off-season.
Blackwood said the team was determined to maintain their strong form.
“We’re unbeaten so we just want to keep that up,” he stated.
“We just want to take it game by game and now we’re looking towards the Heidelberg game.
“If we don’t get complacent and we go out with a good attitude we’re very confident of coming away with a good result.”
The 20-year-old has now scored three goals during the off-season, which included a crucial penalty in the 3-0 Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16 match against Melbourne Victory last month.
“It’s always good to get on the scoresheet no matter how you score,” he said.
“And it’s good to get a few goals in pre-season, so I’m happy with how everything is going and I just want to keep it going.
“I just want the team to do well so whatever I can do to help the team is good and obviously I’m a striker and need to score goals and contribute in that way.
“I hope I can keep doing that and I hope the team can keep winning, it’s exciting times ahead.”
Adelaide travel to Melbourne to face Heidelberg United in the Quarter Finals of the Westfield FFA Cup next Wednesday.
Blackwood believes starting proceedings strongly will be key to advancing to the semi-finals.
“I think it’s going to be a really tough game,” he explained.
“I think it’s going to be a bit of a fight so we’re going to have to win our one on one duals.
“So the most important thing is to win the fight first 10 or 15 minutes and then I think we can start getting into the game and playing the football we want to play.”
Adelaide United will face Heidelberg United in the Quarter Finals of the 2017 Westfield FFA Cup on Wednesday, 13 September at Olympic Village. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST.
