Sophie Peters, Steve Moody reflect on rising star’s journey to Brisbane Lions AFLW debut

A standout Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Lions Aussie rules talent has broken into the AFLW as she and a coaching legend reflect on her journey to the elite level. See what they had to say.

Sophie Peters alongside Steve Moody. Picture: Lionsaflw

Sunshine Coast rising Aussie rules talent Sophie Peters has broken into the Brisbane Lions top AFLW squad, a dream she has held onto since she first started playing the sport.

The 19-year-old has recorded 14 disposals and six tackles during her limited playing time in the Lions two wins against the Collingwood Magpies and Western Bulldogs.

The former Siena Catholic College student, who was taken with pick 21 in the 2023 AFLW draft, only began playing Aussie rules for Maroochydore when she was 13-years-old.

“It definitely has been a dream to debut ever since I started in the academy,” Peters said prior to the round three clash.

“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.”

Sophie Peters of the Lions in action during the 2024 AFLW Round three match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at Brighton Homes Arena. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Peters is a talented midfield player and credits her quick rise to the help and coaching of her senior teammates.

“We had a few of the players coach us last year (in the Lions academy) so it was cool to come up and now be teammates with them,” she said.

“I even had work experience with Shannon (Campbell) when I was younger so having her as a teammate now is pretty cool.

Brisbane Lions level three academy assistant coach and Lions AFLW development coach Steve Moody first met Peters when she was a junior with the Maroochydore Roos.

“I first came across Sophie when I was still coaching at Maroochydore and she was a junior that had played more than 60 games for the Roos,” he said.

Sophie Peters in action for the Maroochydore Roos. Picture: Jillo's Sporting Pics

“She came into our senior QAFLW squad as a 16-year-old and she always had a lot of talent, great athleticism, speed and agility.

“She had a real fierceness about her at the contest and loved to be aggressive in her tackles which was a contrast to how she presented off the field.”

Moody said she had been putting in the work and deserved this debut opportunity.

“Sophie has always been a great kid with no bells or whistles about her,” Moody said.

“She wanted to play AFLW footy but never screamed that to anyone, she just went about her business really well and wasn’t a footy head either which is a great balance to have when you’re still a young woman.”

Sophie Peters and Sophie Conway of the Lions celebrate the win. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Moody, who has been involved in Aussie rules on the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years, said it was another milestone achievement for the region.

“Everything at that next level is based down in Brisbane which is fine and understandable but it also means the commitment from our Sunshine Coast players has to be even stronger and certainly have that support from their parents,” he said.

“It does add up and take a toll but it makes me extra proud when I see players like Sophie get their opportunity and hopefully they can take it with both hands.

“Her achievement is also great for other young kids coming through as they can follow and hopefully replicate her journey if they choose to.”

Originally published as Sophie Peters, Steve Moody reflect on rising star’s journey to Brisbane Lions AFLW debut