Sophie Conway is still pinching herself she is playing footy professionally in the AFLW, let alone being nominated for a Round 3 Rising Star.

“I am surprised because I’ve only been playing for such a short time. But I’m super honoured and to get it in Round 3, I’m really privileged,” Conway told lions.com.au.

The 18-year-old has been outstanding for the Lions in her three appearances so far this season. She has booted three goals, including two against Carlton in Saturday night’s thriller.

“I actually didn’t realise they were within a goal when I had my set shot. It was probably a good idea that I didn’t know,” Conway said.

Another highlight was kicking the Lions first goal for 2018 in Round 1.

“You dream of those type of things. To kick your first goal, or a goal on your debut. But to kick the first one – so many thoughts were going through my brain.”

In that moment she thought of her late mother.

“The last six or so months being quite challenging, with obviously my Mum passing away.

“To kick the first goal. I looked straight up to the heavens for her. It was very emotional but very special.”

Conway pays tribute to her Mum after kicking her first AFLW goal.

Although she plays like a veteran, ‘footy’ is still a relatively new concept for her.

Growing up with brothers Isaac and Ben in Bracken Ridge they’d have kicking contests most afternoons in their front yard. But she didn’t have the opportunity to play proper games until only two years ago.

Before that, her focus had been purely on hockey, which she gave up to play AFLW.

“I had a lot of decisions to make. I was a little bit scared,” she said.

“At the end of the day footy came to my doorstep quite soon. I didn’t think it would actually be here that early, with only having a few seasons under my belt.

“I was never going to say ‘no’ to the opportunity,” she said.

Conway was one of the inaugural Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy for Girls members, finishing last year. She credits this experience for helping develop her game sense.

“We played some curtain raisers last year in their inaugural season,” Conway explained.

“All the coaching staff and support that they gave us. To be the first one through the program into the AFLW team was pretty special.”