\n She’s gone from strength to strength after being flung into the limelight in her first season of AFLW, but it’s all sitting pretty well with Port Adelaide’s Matilda Scholz\n <\/p>\n
Matilda Scholz poses for a photo at Port Adelaide’s team photo day on July 20, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
MATILDA Scholz wants to be famous.<\/p>\n
It’s a good thing, because she’s become the face of the AFLW competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since debuting in 2023, the Port Adelaide ruck has become one of the comp’s most recognisable players, thanks to her eye-catching aerial ability, outgoing personality and Amazonian stature. Not to mention her TikTok videos.<\/p>\n
At 189cm, Scholz stands out, but for the 21-year-old, any attention on her brings attention on the AFLW competition.<\/p>\n
“I feel like it’s something I’ve always kind of wanted,” Scholz said of the spotlight.<\/p>\n
“I’ve grown up wanting to be in some sort of limelight or whatever.<\/p>\n
“I’m pretty self-aware. Anyone who knows me would borderline say I’m attention-seeker. I wouldn’t like to label myself like that but I definitely do like having the spotlight on me.<\/p>\n
“I like to think I’m making some sort of difference in women’s sport, and women’s footy. If not, let me know how I can do that I’ll try.<\/p>\n
“I’m all about wanting AFLW to be the biggest it can be and yeah, I love it.”<\/p>\n
Scholz’s star power has always been obvious to those around her.<\/p>\n
“I knew from the moment I met her [she would be something special],” partner and teammate Abbey Dowrick said.<\/p>\n
“Before she blew up, she was always a big talk, even when she was coming in. She always wanted to be famous, and she’s got that now so I just love sitting back and watching her.<\/p>\n
“She’s just – when she does something she gives it 100 per cent and she’s quite a stickler for the rules.”<\/p>\n
Abbey Dowrick (left) and Matilda Scholz celebrate Port Adelaide’s semi-final win against Hawthorn on November 16, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
Since joining Port Adelaide as an underage priority signing, Scholz has attracted attention.<\/p>\n
Her extraordinary Mark of the Year in 2024 made her one of the AFLW’s most notable players, while her TikTok presence has brought women’s footy to a whole new audience among Gen Z.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her videos often feature herself and her teammates dancing before or after footy training, with Scholz always looking to find the fun while also putting in the work.<\/p>\n