A HARD-running defender out of Sturt, Sophie Thredgold was one of a number of South Australians who took their game to another level in 2024. Stepping up for the League side for 14 appearances in her debut season after being unlucky not to feature the year before, Thredgold earned a place in the state squad for the national championships.

SOPHIE THREDGOLD PROFILE

DOB: 03/05/2007
Height: 167cm
Position: General Defender
Club: Sturt

SUMMARY

Thredgold is easy to spot out on the field both for her gamestyle and for her bright boots that are often seen bursting off half-back in a bid to drive down the field. For the Double Blues, Thredgold adapted brilliantly to defence to the point of loving the role, and while a potential rotation through midfield beckons in 2025, looms as a key transitional player.

Across the course of playing every game for Sturt, Thredgold averaged 9.7 disposals, 2.6 marks and 2.6 rebound 50s per match, then translated her form to national level where she laid 3.3 tackles per game amongst 10 touches and a mark per match, doing more of her work as a greater nullifying presence in the back half of the ground.

Running at 66.7 per cent disposal efficiency throughout the national championships, Thredgold is able to add speed to the ball and clear the danger time and time again. A high-risk, high-reward player who thrives on high tempo football, the Sturt prospect has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits that enable her to take the game on, while also remaining accountable to her direct opponent.

Looking ahead to this season, Thredgold is a natural option to spend time on-ball, and while that is an option, she is equally excited about continuing her role coming out of defence. Getting her hands on the ball more often and continuing to develop her consistency will be elements she can further improve, but as a whole, she has created a nice foundational base through her bottom-age season setting her up for 2025.