Poppy Scholz

Poppy Scholz is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Carlton [Football Club (AFL Women's)|Carlton Football Club] in the AFL Women's. She was selected by Carlton with pick No. 6 in the 2024 [AFL Women's draft], recruited from Glenelg in the SANFL Women's League.

Early life and SANFLW career

Scholz formerly played for in the SANFL Women's League. Her aerial strength and adaptability was described as one of her strengths. Prior to her AFLW debut, Scholz was named one of the most promising young footballers in South Australia by The [Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser].
In the 2024 national draft, Scholz was one of ten SANFLW players selected, with Carlton using their first pick, sixth overall, to recruit her.

AFL Women's career

Scholz joined Carlton’s AFLW program ahead of the 2025 season. While yet to debut, she trained across multiple roles—including key defence, forward, and ruck—with coaching staff highlighting her elite intercept ability and flexibility.

Playing style

Scholz is known for her strong intercept marking and ability to cut off opposition attacks, positional versatility, playing effectively across defensive and forward lines and providing occasional ruck relief, as well as her athleticism and clean ball use, with a refined football IQ despite her youth.

Personal life and family

Scholz comes from a high-achieving sporting family. Her mother, Peta Scholz
, is a former Australian netballer who represented her nation, won a 1999 [World Netball Championships|World Championship in 1999], and secured Commonwealth Games gold in 2002. Peta also had premiership success with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ Championship. Scholz's sister Matilda also plays in the AFLW, earning a Rising Star award with.