"I love it there": Goodrick's adoration for The Fire Pit

He loves playing at John Cain Arena.

The championship-winning forward says the atmosphere inside the Phoenix home venue was one of the things that stood out most during his first NBL season with the Sydney Kings, and he can’t wait to experience it from the other side.

“I love it there,” Goodrick said.

“It gets really loud and I love the hoops there and the energy. It’s probably one of my favourite arenas to play in.”

The 24-year-old signed with the Phoenix after helping Sydney claim the NBL championship last season, where he earned a reputation as a tough, physical frontcourt presence willing to do the dirty work.

Now, he’ll bring that energy to a Phoenix side aiming to break through after consecutive semi-final appearances under coach Josh King.

Goodrick said he is particularly excited to play alongside veteran guard Nathan Sobey after watching him dominate opponents last season.

“Just the energy he plays with and the tempo and passion he plays with is probably something that excites me the most,” he said.

Goodrick also laughed off comparisons to Phoenix fan favourite Geordie Hunter after being told the resemblance has already become a talking point among supporters.

“A lot of people have said that,” he laughed.

“It’s one of the first things people say.”

Away from basketball, Goodrick says Melbourne’s famous café culture may suit him perfectly.

“The coffee,” he said when asked what he was most excited about.

“I drink a lot of coffee every day.”

The Sydney product also admitted he may finally need to embrace AFL after spending most of his life following rugby league.

“I’ll have to give AFL a chance,” he said.

But while Melbourne’s coffee scene may help him settle in, Phoenix fans will be hoping Goodrick’s trademark toughness becomes the real addition that energises the club heading into NBL27.

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