Glenelg’s Matilda Scholz signs with Port Adelaide

By ZAC MILBANK

Emerging Glenelg ruck Matilda Scholz has been snapped up by Port Adelaide as an AFLW Priority Signing.

A member of last year’s championship-winning SA U18 team, the 17-year-old joins fellow Tigers Sarah Goodwin and Ella Boag at Alberton after playing a total of 12 Hostplus SANFLW League games since making her debut last season.

As part of the priority signing period, Port is allowed to sign one underage player who turns 18 before 30 April 2023 and has completed Year 12. 

Scholz, the daughter of former Australian Diamonds and Adelaide Thunderbirds netballer Peta Squire, was surprised with the news at Tigers training on Wednesday night.

”As a footy club we are really proud of Matilda,” Glenelg SANFLW Football Operations Manager Richard Douglas said of Scholz, who measures in at a towering 188cm.

”She’s incredibly talented and even just seeing her play on the weekend, it was a prime example of everyone else standing taller when she plays.

”We’re really excited for the the next chapter in her journey, she will always be a Glenelg junior who will be welcome back at the footy club.

”We wish her all the best, I’m sure she will have a very long and successful career in the AFLW.”

Originally from the Mitcham Football Club, Scholz will now join Goodwin and Boag in being released for SANFLW selection pending their AFLW club commitments and injury status.

An U18 All-Australian last year, Scholz will join fellow Power-listed player Jade Halfpenny (Norwood) in lining up for Round 3 of the Hostplus SANFLW League.

After missing Round 1 with a minor injury, she has been named to start in the forward line against Sturt at Thebarton Oval on Sunday, after making a promising return for the Bays in Round 2.