BACK for another year, Rookie Me Central’s 24 to Watch in 2024 returns and this time around, the focus is on underage players, being those who are yet to have an AFLW Draft chance. For the list of 2024, it will range between players who are predominantly 2006 (top-age) and 2007-born talents likely to take the SANFL Women’s by storm or set themselves up for the future.

Glenelg’s Poppy Scholz is looking to join sister Matilda at the elite level, as the top-ager sets her sights on a big 2024. An ultimate utility, Scholz has practically played in every position on the field, and is one of the more unique talents in this year’s AFLW Draft.

POPPY SCHOLZ PROFILE

DOB: 31/12/2006
Height: 179cm
Position: Tall Utility
Club: Glenelg

SUMMARY

Born on the last day of the year, Scholz is only a day off being a bottom-ager which is all the more incredible considering she has already spent two seasons at SANFL Women’s level. The 179cm Bays young gun started her career on a wing, progressed into a defender and has even pinch-hit in the ruck at times, through the middle and up forward.

While her taller older sister is a pure ruck who could rest forward, Scholz has shown over the journey that she i more than comfortable adapting to any role required of her. A little more raw than Matilda, Scholz has even more athleticism, and has been able to find a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits along the way.

After being an extended member of the 2022 AFLW Under 18 Championships-winning South Australian squad, Scholz locked in a more permanent spot with the Croweaters, getting on the field in 2023 and playing all three games. She averaged 14.0 disposals, 3.7 marks, 6.3 hitouts and 2.0 rebound 50s, often rotating between defence and the ruck.

Scholz not only took part in the national championships, but the bottom-ager earned All-Australian honours, named at centre half-back in the team. Heading into 2024, Scholz could be utilised in any role across the field, and with an extra year of experience, expect her to be able to take her game to another level in the upcoming SANFLW season.

SANFLW 24 TO WATCH IN 2024:

>> #6 Jemma Charity (North Adelaide)
>> #7 Lucy Boyd (West Adelaide)
>> #8 Violet Patterson (Glenelg)
>> #9 Sophie Eaton (Central District)
>> #10 Monique Bessen (Sturt)
>> Ruby Ballard (West Adelaide)
>> Shae Archbold (South Adelaide)
>> Asha Dufour (West Adelaide)
>> Coby Morgan (Norwood)
>> Esther Schirmer (South Adelaide)
>> Emma Kilpatrick (West Adelaide)
>> Lily Baxter (South Adelaide)
>> Grace Martin (Woodville-West Torrens)
>> Laela Ebert (North Adelaide)
>> Steph Tredwell (West Adelaide)
>> Matilda Wilmore (Glenelg)
>> Charli Hazelhurst (Norwood)
>> Chloe Tonkin (West Adelaide)
>> Imogen Trengove (Woodville-West Torrens)