Brisbane Lions AFLW Academy graduate Sophie Peters will make her AFLW debut on Friday night against Collingwood.
Peters, selected with Pick 21 in the 2023 AFLW Draft, hails from the Sunshine Coast where she played for Maroochydore in the QAFLW.
The utility experienced an impressive draft year which included selection in the National (AFLW) Academy team, the Queensland state side and a regular contributor in the Lions Academy side.
Peters said she was excited to be running out alongside teammates who were coaches of hers only 12 months ago.
“I was pretty excited when (coach) Craig (Starcevich) called me yesterday and then I was on the phone to my dad straight away and he was pumped for me too,” she said.
“Having a few of the girls coach us last year, it has been a really cool experience coming into the AFLW program and I’m excited that I get to run out with them tomorrow.
“This has been a dream of mine since I started playing footy, I think we’ve all dreamed of a debut so I’m super excited.”
Peters, a former soccer junior, has become known for her run and carry as well as her ability to spread from contest - finding her home on the wing.
Modelling her game through her junior years off teammates Jade Ellenger and Sophie Conway, it was these assets which caught the eye of Lions recruiters.
Lions AFLW senior coach Craig Starcevich said he was full of praise for Peters, who has continued to impress through the pre-season and early season match scrimmage.
“It’s a really great result for Sophie as an Academy graduate. She plays with all the traits that we value within our group,” Starcevich said.
“She runs equally hard, both forward and back, cares a lot for her teammates and she fits in well with this group and all things that we stand for.
“It shows how much great work our Academy does to have another graduate enter the AFLW ranks and we’re really looking forward to seeing Sophie run out tomorrow night.”
The Lions will host Collingwood in front of a strong home crowd at Brighton Homes Arena on Friday night, with the first bounce from 5:05pm AEST.
