MATILDA SCHOLZ will be a Port Adelaide player for the next four seasons after the exciting ruck agreed to a contract extension until at least the end of 2027.

Scholz enjoyed a breakout debut season in 2023, winning a Rising Star nomination and finishing third in the club’s best and fairest.

She was also named Port Adelaide’s best first year player and was included in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22under22 squad.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at Port Adelaide and I’m so grateful to get the opportunity to continue to play at the club,” the 18-year-old said of her new contract.

“With the group we have and the environment we have created around our W program, I look forward to coming in every day to keep developing and contributing to the team.

“I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in 2024 and in the future.”

A highly athletic and mobile ruck, Scholz played all ten games in her debut season, averaging 21 hit-outs, four tackles and three clearances per game.

She put the competition on notice about her potential with a 34 hit-out performance in Round 9 and followed up with three goals in Round 10.

“Matilda had some really strong performances last year and at times it was easy to forget that it was her first season at AFLW level,” said List Manager, Naomi Maidment of Scholz.

“She has excellent athleticism and provides plenty of grunt around the ball, plus she is a much-loved character around the group.

“We are looking forward to what she can do for our club going forward.”

Scholz was originally signed from Glenelg as part of the 2023 priority signing period, after impressing in the SANFLW and under 18 national championships in which she was named as part of the All-Australian team.