Poppy Scholz has been named the Round 6 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee. 

Scholz has earned the nomination after an impressive match against an in-form North Melbourne on Saturday, collecting 3 intercept disposals and 3 score involvements.

Joining the Blues through the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft, with pick No.6, Scholz has quickly become a fan favourite amongst Carlton supporters. 

From her first disposal during this year’s season opener, Scholz captured the attention of fans, surging forward as a defender and wowing everyone with a set shot and goal on debut.

00:39

Blues end-to-end perfection see's Scholz finish truly

Poppy Scholz slots a much-needed goal for Carlton after a brilliant team transition play

Despite playing mostly as a defender, Scholz shone in the pre-season showing her athleticism and adaptability, resulting in her being trialled up forward – a move made on Saturday which resulted in Carltons first goal of the game.

Standing at 179cm, Scholz’s ability to read the play and time her approach at the football has been a huge asset to the Blues, a skill beyond her years as an 18-year-old.

The elite sporting world is not unfamiliar territory for Scholz, who comes from a talented sporting lineage. Her sister Matilda plays for Port Adelaide in the AFLW, while her mother, Peta, was an Australian Diamond and won a gold medal in the 2002 Commonwealth Games. 

Born on New Year's Eve, Scholz is the definition of a bottom-ager, almost missing the cutoff for the 2024 draft by hours.

Scholz joins fellow draftee Sophie McKay (Round 4) in earning the Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination and is Carlton's second nomination in three weeks. 

AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck said Scholz was well deserving of the nomination after a string of consistent performances. 

“Poppy is a natural footballer, the way she can attack the ball and impact in the air has been impressive,” Buck said. 

“At just 18 years of age, she has shown a lot of poise in many pressure-tense moments, which has been impressive for someone of her age.

“Poppy has shown a great level of improvement across her pre-season, under the watchful eye of defender Harriet Cordner, and has fit into the backline seamlessly. 

“We cannot wait to see what Poppy can achieve in the future in the Navy Blue.”