DYNAMIC small Zoe Petrides was part of a historic push towards the grand final for QAFL Women’s team Morningside in the Panthers’ inaugural season. The talented and skilful forward showed plenty of upside in 2025 and is looking to go to another level in 2026.
The Brisbane Lions Academy member spoke to us at the Queensland Preseason Testing Day on Sunday about her footy journey, game and mentors along the way.
Q: Zoe, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
ZP: “My brother played when he was younger and I always just watched him and wanted to do it as well. I loved watching it so I just got into it from then and started when I was seven. Was at Calamvale Leopards and moved up to Morningside and then just got picked up with Lions Academy and have been through that since I was pretty young, like 14.”
Q: You were part of Morningside’s inaugural QAFLW year last year, what was that like reaching the grand final?
ZP: “It was really good, it was such a good experience, and it was our first year as well in the QAFL. It was just really good from us.”
Q: In terms of your role, do you see yourself more mid or still forward?
ZP: “I think I really started to master my small forward role, but I do like going through the midfield as well. Just hitting up at my forwards. My weapon’s probably kicking. I do like going through the midfield but forward’s my best one.”
Q: What are some of the other strengths you’ve got in your game?
ZP: “Well my kicking definitely, just hitting targets, and my decision making. Just ball to foot really quickly, that’s a weapon of mine.”
Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?
ZP: “My physicality, like tackling, and fitness, working on that as well.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?
ZP: “It would definitely be my dad and Zilks (Lions Academy coach Emma Zielke). Zilks has been with me since i was 14. Since I started with the Academy she’s always been with me, always had my back and she just taught me so much and my dad’s just been with me the whole time as well.”
Q: Are you a Brisbane fan?
ZP: “Yeah definitely.”
Q: Is there a player you model your game on?
ZP: “Belle Dawes and maybe Courtney Hodder. Courtney Hodder’s a small forward and she just plays it so well, and then Belle Dawes is just so intense and she just puts in so much work and I really look up to that.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?
ZP: “I definitely want to make Queensland team again and All-Australian would be nice as well. Then obviously getting drafted, but that’s down the track. Just have a really good Coates League season.”
