Goodwin, who turns 32 this month, was non-committal when quizzed about the captaincy role last month, but after emerging as the favoured candidate for the second year running, the dual premiership player and four-time All-Australian said he was honoured to remain in the top job.
"The way the system works here is that you don't own the position of [captain]. The leadership group is voted in by the players and then it's decided from there. I've always been keen to do the job," Goodwin said.
"There is nothing better than captaining the side that you love and are passionate about. It's up to the playing group and the club to make their decisions and I'm rapt to be the captain."
Goodwin heads up a seven-man leadership group, which includes Tyson Edwards, Brett Burton, Ben Rutten, Nathan van Berlo and two new faces in Michael Doughty and Scott Stevens.
"Following the same process as previous years, the playing group made the decision to elect these players as to who they trust to be their leaders in 2009," coach Neil Craig said.
"I believe the addition of Michael Doughty and Scott Stevens will add to the group, as they have displayed excellent leadership qualities that have obviously been recognised by their peers."
Goodwin took over as captain from club legend and good mate Mark Ricciuto in 2008.
The triple best and fairest winner struggled with a back injury last season, but has been back in full training for a fortnight and is expected to be 100 per cent fit come round one.
"The training I've been able to do and the position I've been able to put my body into over the past eight weeks has given me great confidence that I'll get through the season, no worries," he said.
"It's certainly not an issue for me at the moment and hopefully it won't be throughout the year."
The Crows, who were criticised not too long ago for having the oldest list in the competition, have significantly changed the dynamics of the playing group in the past two years.
The club added five youngsters to the mix in last Saturday's NAB AFL Draft and by the start of season 2009 will have 21 players aged 22 or younger, including 13 teenagers.
This transformation will see the average age of the playing group drop from 24 years, 182 days in 2007, to 23 years, 146 days.
Goodwin said the immaturity of the squad would make the job of the leadership group even more important.
"With the profile of our squad and where it's at at the moment, leadership is crucial," he said.
"I certainly enjoy coaching and teaching the younger players and I'm backed up by a tremendous leadership group; it's very deep now and we've got great leaders coming through.
"To have that alongside you, and along with the enjoyment of teaching these younger players how to train and play the game; I really enjoy that."
