Meet our Round Two Women’s Rising Star Nominee, Sophia Gaukrodger, UTS Bats

Player Profile

Name: Sophia Gaukrodger

Nickname: Rodge

AFL Sydney Club: UTS Australian Football Club

Position: Centre Half Forward

Junior Club: Western Suburbs Magpies

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club?

Sophia is well known for constantly referencing her favourite childhood film Home Alone, and still wishes for a return of Macauley Culkin for one final movie.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field?

Sophia is often seen kicking goals before and after training, with her goal to get a 50m drop punt goal in a game by the end of the season.

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Nomination Details

Reason for nomination this round:

Sophia delivered the ball effectively into our full forward line, and finished the game with four goal assists, and one goal. On top of her ability to win the ball in the half forward line, Sophia also has such a precision kick, which was on full display finding short targets against Sydney Uni’s packed defence.

Coach quote on Performance:

Sophia played her first ever game of Premier Division football this past weekend at just 16 years old. She presented strongly as one of our main forward targets, taking some excellent contested marks, or winning the ground ball.  Sophia is one to watch for the future, and I believe she has the ability to play well beyond the Sydney Women’s Premier Division competition.