ONE OF a number of Brisbane Lions Academy members who already has state experience from her bottom-age season, Stella Scott is a player to watch in 2026. Coming from a rugby background, Scott has found her place in the Lions Academy and Queensland squads, and is looking to build on past work to produce a strong top-age campaign.
We spoke to Scott at the recent Queensland Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Stella, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
SS: “I originally played rugby, and then a lot of my friends from primary school were playing AFL and they just said ‘you should just try out for the school sport team’ so I was like ‘why not give it a go’ and never stopped.”
Q: What level did you get to with your rugby?
SS: “I played 7s, I played a bit of school work. I stopped when I was 14 because I liked AFL better.”
Q: How’s your preseason been?
SS: “It’s been really good. We’ve had a lot of running, 2kms, working on our endurance. But it’s been really good with the girls, a lot of new girls coming up.”
Q: What position or role are you hoping to play this year?
SS: “I think I’ll play midfield/backline rotation. Trying something new.”
Q: Talk to me a bit about your strengths and some improvements?
SS: “I reckon I have a good mindset, I take on feedback well. I think I’ve got pretty good footy IQ, that’s why I’m trying to change into the backline where you can see most of the field. I think a growth would be my longer kicking to try and get length and power.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of football?
SS: “Yeah I go for Brisbane.”
Q: Are there any players you look up to or try and model you game on?
SS: “I reckon Bre Koenen. She coaches at Morningside, also captain in the backline. She’s just got such a positive mindset, she’s so happy, nice, and obviously she’s a really good player as well.”
Q: Have you got to meet any of the senior girls at the Lions?
SS: “Yeah so Bre coaches us at Morningside, and then Belle (Dawes) and Nat Grider used to coach for Academy, and Indi (Williams) and Jacinta (Baldwick).”
Q: Who’s been a mentor on your football journey?
SS: “I reckon actually my teammates. We just push each other so much, and I look up to so many girls in my team and when they’re pushing it, it makes me want to push harder.”
Q: What goals have you set out to achieve this year?
SS: “I definitely want to make Queensland for Academy, and obviously the draft is coming up. I would love to get drafted, that is my dream. Then making Level 4 squad of the Lions Academy, not just Level 3.”
