Poppy Boltz is the newest Brisbane Lion, selected with Pick 16 in tonight’s 2023 AFLW Season Eight Supplementary Draft.
22-year-old Boltz is known for her physicality and her ability to win her own contested ball and brings quality tackle pressure.
Currently playing for the Southport Sharks in the QAFLW competition, her football resume boasts accolades including being named in the 2022 QAFLW Team of the Year.
In 2021, while playing for the Cairns Saints, she was awarded the prestigious Jo Butland Medallist as the best and fairest in the Cairn’s Women’s competition.
In 2017, Boltz was also a part of the Queensland team which took part in the NAB AFLW U18 National Championship and becomes the ninth player from that team alongside Lions Vice-Captain Nat Grider, as well as Tahlia Hickie, Sophie Conway, Belle Dawes, Zimmorlei Farquharson, Dee Heslop, Jade Ellenger and Ellie Hampson to now call the Den home.
Brisbane Lions Women’s Head Coach, Craig Starcevich, said he was excited to see Boltz’s years of football hard work pay off earning a spot on the Lions list.
“Poppy has been a friend and teammate for a lot of us since her days in the Queensland talent pathway,” Starcevich said.
“She made the move from Cairns to Southport specifically to give herself the best chance to advance her footy career and we’re so happy to be able to provide her with an opportunity at the Brisbane Lions.
“Her 2022 season with Southport was outstanding playing mainly as a medium sized midfielder earning her a spot in the QAFLW team of the year.
“Her ability to win contested ball and then power on to the next contest was impressive.
“Poppy’s story is a great one for those young players who don’t get selected at their first draft.
"The QAFLW continues to provide a pathway to the AFLW, if you're prepared to work hard, anything is possible."
