THE AFLW’s new score assist technology got its first major workout on the weekend, with Maddy Guerin’s first career goal being deliberated by umpires in the dying minutes of last weekend’s clash with Gold Coast.
 
The goal put Carlton up by one point with less than 90 seconds left on the clock, however umpires questioned whether the ball was touched on the line by the Gold Coast defender.
 
However, thanks to the AFLW’s score assist technology introduced this year, it was able to be determined that Guerin’s goal did sail through.
 
“I kicked it and it was going through, so I didn’t check to see if it was a goal: it just felt like a goal because we all started celebrating,” Guerin said.
 
“It was only until everyone stopped celebrating and we didn’t really know what was happening.
 
“We could see the umpires discussing what happened and all we were doing was waiting for the umpires to make the call.”

 For Good, the introduction to this technology was welcomed, ensuring the right calls are made.
 
“Technology for any sport is growing, so if we can include any kind of technology in our game to assist the umpires to make the right calls then we’ll take it on board,” she said.
 
“I think umpires have a tough job as it is, so if we can help them with any bit of technology then why not.”
 
Guerin also noted how if the same situation were to have happened last year, the Blues may not have flown back from Mackay in such happy spirits.
 
“If we had that situation last year then we may have not gotten on the end of a goal there,” she said.
 
“It’s important that we have this technology because the men obviously have their ARC system, so this is a great step in getting that equal playing field for us.”

 Kicking a match-winning goal is something a lot of young players dream of, but for Guerin it was a credit to all the work that was put in to make sure her body was right heading into her first season back from an ACL injury.
 
After spending time in the SANFLW and then the VFLW, Guerin said she wanted to be prepared for when she did come back to AFLW.
 
“I felt like with the investment of time into my development in the year, when you get a moment like [the goal] it pays off,” she said.
 
“It’s exciting that I can impact in a game this early in the season. I’m just looking to build on that, but it gives me good confidence going forward.”
 
Good also credited Guerin’s professionalism in coming back from injury to take the initiative to spend time in South Australia in the off-season to build up her match fitness.

“It’s just been a real credit to Maddy as a person as well as a player,” she said.

“Although she’s quiet and humble, she’s been huge with that build up and then taking the initiative to play a couple SANFLW games to get that touch back.”
 
While Saturday marks Carlton’s first home game of the season along with the AFLW Carlton Respects Game, it will also mark defender Harriet Cordner’s 50th AFLW game.
 
When speaking of Cordner, Good noted that her contagious positivity helps players be their best versions of themselves.
 
“We’re very fortunate to be playing alongside her and have her as a teammate and a friend,” she said.
 
“I’m really excited to run out there on the weekend and see what she can do: fly high, compete, and really bring the team with her.”