A SMART and skilful utility, Brisbane Lions Academy member Sophie Schulze has football in her blood, from her great grandfather Wally Clark‘s 105-game stint at Fitzroy, to her dad growing up playing and loving the sport.
Schulze hails from the Sunshine Coast and played all four games for the Lions Academy at Coates Talent League Girls level. On the weekend, she had a big game for Maroochydore in the QAFL Women’s as she continues to work on her game to achieve her long-term goal of being drafted.
We spoke to Schulze at the Queensland Preseason Testing event about her journey, inspirations and game.
Q: Sophie, tell us a bit about your football journey, how you got into the sport to where you are now?
SS: “My dad has always played footy and I grew up watching him play. I started from Auskick and continued through the junior age levels at the Kawana Eagles, playing footy wherever and whenever I could either at school or club I’d take any chance I got. I now play QAFLW for the Maroochydore Roos.”
Q: Who have been some of the mentors for you along the way?
SS: “Dad coached me a lot on and off the field. My great grandfather Wally Clark played for Fitzroy but passed away before I was born. Even though I never met him I look up to him and one day hope to play for the Lions too.”
Q: What’s it been like being part of the Brisbane Lions Academy and some of the learnings you have taken out of it?
SS: “The Lions Academy crew is a really supportive group of people. The coaches put so much time and effort into helping every one of us girls be the best we can. I’ve made some great friendships and even better memories developing as a player and person as a whole throughout my years in the academy. “
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
SS: “I love to play the sweeper position in the midfield and play winger rotating between forward and back. I’m naturally more of a defensive player and love a good chase and tackle to win the ball. “
Q: What are some of the strengths, and conversely improvements left in your game?
SS: “I’m a long accurate kick with quick hands, I will always have my teammates backs and am currently improving my clean hands, one touch skills.”
Q: Who is a player you mould your game on or look up to at the elite level?
SS: “Two players I look up to are Belle Dawes and Lachie Neale, both aggressive and passionate AFL players with awesome skills.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
SS: “I support the Lions in both AFL and AFLW. “
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
SS: “My goals for the upcoming season is to be picked in every team selection possible and keep improving my fitness and knowledge of the game. My long term goal is to be drafted.”
