Port Adelaide star ruck Matilda Scholz says the opportunity to pull on the Australian guernsey is one of the proudest moments of her career as she prepares to represent her country in Saturday's inaugural NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland clash. 

Fresh off another impressive pre-season with Port Adelaide, the back-to-back Best and Fairest winner has earned selection in the historic Australian squad, with the match marking the first official AFLW representative fixture between the two nations. 

For Scholz, the honour carries special significance, with her selection continuing a proud family tradition of representing Australia after her mother previously played netball for the national team. 

"To be a part of history... I think that's incredible," Scholz said from Sydney ahead of the match. 

"I have a bit of a connection with my Mum playing netball for Australia. Her being able to do that in her sport a number of years ago, and then for me to be able to do it now, speaks to how women's sport has grown and how young girls can look up to us and see where we're at now. It's very cool." 

The 21-year-old's selection is the latest milestone in a rapid rise that has established her as one of the AFLW's premier rucks. 

But beyond her on-field development, Scholz is equally passionate about inspiring the next generation of footballers. 

As part of the Australian camp, Scholz joined teammates at Sydney's Lane Cove Football Club to deliver clinics for local junior footballers ahead of Saturday's match, with the experience reinforcing why representing the game extends far beyond game day. 

"It's important to get out and show young girls that it's totally doable what we're doing, and then also I think to show young boys as well that the space we're in is normal, and that women are allowed to be playing AFL. 

"I think that's just a cool thing to be able to be an inspiration to both young boys and young girls." 

Scholz said seeing the enthusiasm of the young participants reminded her of the impact elite athletes can have in their communities. 

"We came out to Lane Cove Footy Club and did some little clinics with the girls and boys out here. Some of them were still in their school uniform, so they came straight off the school bus to footy training. I told them it was dedication. 

"It's nice to be out in the community, and I love seeing little kids and putting smiles on their faces." 

Australia will face an athletic and unpredictable Irish side in front of a sold-out crowd at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, with Scholz expecting an exciting contest. 

"They're very chaotic and they're quick," she said. 

"They're all very quick, so I think they'll be playing quite a fast brand of footy, and I think we can expect some chaos." 

With all 16,000 tickets sold, Scholz is eager to experience the atmosphere. 

"It's really cool that it's sold out," she said. 

"I think the atmosphere will be great. It gives Showdown vibes. We always get good atmospheres at Showdowns. I don't think I've ever played at North Sydney Oval, but I'm just assuming it's going to be really good, positive vibes." 

Fans can catch all the action from 3:45pm ACST, with the match broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.