FORMER Murray Bushrangers talent now lining up for Oakleigh Chargers, Sophia Green moved back to Victoria after two years at boarding school in New South Wales, shifting from Vic Country to Vic Metro in the process.

The 170cm defender/midfielder offers drive and versatility across half-back and the midfield, and is also a father-daughter prospect tied to Carlton through her dad Peter‘s single senior game for the Blues. Green sat down to discuss her footy journey, move between states, game and goals for 2026.

Q: We’ll start with your footy journey. How did you get started to where you are now?

SG: “Well, I started playing when I was seven. I got put straight into the under 12 girls team for Monbulk Junior Footy Club. I was always to my brother’s games and kicking the footy over with dad and with everyone on the field. That’s where it started and just progressed from under 12s all the way up.”

Q: So you’re originally from the eastern suburbs and then you went up to Murray and then back? Tell us a little about that relocation.

SG: “It was more of a lifestyle change. My parents decided to move two years ago to a family farm and that’s when I started playing for the Bushies. Then I came back down last year for school and obviously for footy, because Victoria is a lot more footy orientated. I knew it would just help a lot more with improving my development. So that’s the main reason.”

Q: So you were actually in New South Wales for a bit, were you?

SG: “For two years, yeah. I was at boarding school.”

Q: You’ve got the ultra-rare experience of representing Vic Country and now you’re aligned to Vic Metro. How has that change and experience been?

SG: “Well, everyone keeps asking this question, but I think it’s just keep playing my best role and keeping my body well and fit. I think I can play anywhere, whether it’s Victoria or New South Wales. Everyone has seen me play in New South Wales, the Bushrangers, and now, obviously, coming back down here. So it’s all around.”

Q: Because you’ve kind of played a bit everywhere, where do you like to play the most?

SG: “Definitely inside mid with a half-back rotation.”

Q: Is that where you think you’ll play this year?

SG: “I definitely think I’ll be having lots of ball work in the mid and just getting as much of a touch as I can, and then, obviously, rotating half-back. That’s definitely the plan.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

SG: “I’d say my two-way transition running, offensively and defensively, and my work rate. And just my footy IQ, reading it across half-back and then implementing it into the midfield when I’m going in there.”

Q: And what are you looking to improve on going forward?

SG: “I’d say keeping composed under pressure, as well as keeping my body managed well. At the end of the year I was sort of having little niggles here and there. So just managing my body more and taking it more into account so I can be available for my team.”

Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?

SG: “I’d say dad. He’s definitely had a big impact, so always down for a kick. Then as of recent, Wayne Oswald – I’ve been working with him for years now and he’s taught me a lot, the next level of my game.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

SG: “For the girls, Carlton, and I’ve always been a Bombers supporter.”

Q: What was the reason for those choices?

SG: “Just family. Dad played for Carlton. So it’s sort of just always been running around in the family.”

Q: The obvious question is if your dad played for Carlton, why are there Bombers fans in your family given the history between those clubs?

SG: “Yeah, that’s a bit of a weird one. My brother is a big Bombers fan, and then obviously dad (Carlton). But it’s cool.”

Q: For you, who’s someone that you look up to or model your game on at the top level?

SG: “I’d say Emma Kearney, who plays for North Melbourne. From the start she played inside mid, and now she’s a half-back/high-back playing that defensive role. So I really look up to her in my game.”

Q: Finally going forward from here, what goals have you set for yourself?

SG: “Just to keep myself injury free, play as many games as I can and take every opportunity wholeheartedly. So that’s definitely my goal for the year.”