Goodwin, 15, was talked into playing junior football for Kaniva- Leeor United last year and has played a number of games for the seniors this season.

"I was peer-pressured into playing football by my friends," Goodwin said with a laugh.

"I had played basketball and they wanted me to play football so I gave it a go."

Early this season Goodwin filled in for the Cougars' reserves and soon after, to his surprise, was named in the senior team.

"I got a text message from my friend telling me I was in the senior side," Goodwin said.

"I was pretty surprised. I was a little concerned about playing in the seniors in my first match. But after that it was fine."

Goodwin has played different roles for the Cougars but is not concerned about where he plays.

"I play a midfield role in the juniors but in the seniors I have played a fair bit in the back pocket," Goodwin said.

"I just play wherever I am needed."

He said the camaraderie of his team-mates was the best part of playing for the Cougars.

"When you don't win that often you have to have good team spirit," Goodwin said.

"We all have to rely on each other.

"But I didn't play in either of our wins this year which was disappointing."

The talented teen has even made it into the best players a few times including against top team Naracoorte.

Goodwin was also picked for the under-16 Wimmera schoolboys team which played in the V-Line Cup in Melbourne earlier this year.

"It was a very different experience," he said.

"It was very intense. I was playing with players I had never met before but I ended up playing okay."

The year nine student is strongly focused on his education but intends to play football again with the Cougars next season.

"I have to keep focused on my schooling," he said.

"But I have also been invited to under-16 pre-season training in November, I think it is with the Rebels.

"But I would also like to play in the seniors again next year."

In other Kowree-Naracoorte- Tatiara Football League matches tomorrow, Kaniva-Leeor United plays Keith, Bordertown faces Padthaway, Border Districts hosts Penola, Kybybolite opposes Mundulla and Naracoorte faces fellow premiership contender Lucindale.