Griffith touch football rising star and NSW rep named junior sportswoman of 2025

Lahni Mogliotti was recently named Junior Sportsperson of the Year at the Griffith City Council Australia Day Awards, for her outstanding achievements in touch football and athletics.

The 12-year-old, who finished her primary schooling at Griffith East last year, is known for her pace, skill and teamwork in all sports she plays. She has already represented her state and picked up a string of awards, particularly in touch.

Region caught up with her to find out about her style of play, achievements and goals.

What attracted you to the sport of touch football?

I’ve come from a long line of touch players. My nonna [grandma] plays it, my zia [auntie] plays it, my Dad plays it, my brother plays it – I just follow along. I love the pace of the game; it’s such a fast sport.

What touch teams do you play for?

In the school system, I’ve played for the Griffith East team, but I’ve also won selection for the Riverina and NSW.

Most of the NSW team are from Sydney; I was the only one from the Riverina.

Outside school, I play for the Griffith Stars and made the representative team the Southern Suns, which is made up of the best players in the Riverina.

Why do you think you were selected for NSW?

I was selected for NSW for my speed, my positive talk on and off the field and my diving – I often dive from a distance to score tries before I get touched.

Are you a prolific tryscorer?

I play the positions link or middle. The middle plays in the centre of the field and the link is a position in from the wing. So when I play in the middle I set up tries and when I play link I score them.

How many tries did you score last season?

Too many to count.

What’s your most recent achievement in the sport?

I won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the nationals event when I was representing the Southern Suns (Riverina team) against the best teams in the state.

Do you follow NRL too?

For sure. I go for the Brisbane Broncos. My favourite player is Kotoni Staggs.

What have you achieved in athletics?

In Year Six, I was the fastest student in my school Griffith East. I ran the 100 metres in 13.9 seconds.

I also ran the fastest in the 200 metres and won the long jump when I reached 4 metres 11 cm. I went to the state finals and represented the Riverina team at Sydney Olympic Park in the 100 metres, 200 metres, relay and the long jump.

Do you have any sporting events coming up soon?

I’m going to Wagga for the junior state cup, representing the Griffith Stars.

Who are your role models?

I’ve been inspired by all my family, especially my dad Michael and my brother Mason.

Would you like to thank anyone for your accomplishments?

My parents for driving around the countryside to all my sporting events.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Either a professional touch player or a hairdresser, like my mum.

What’s you ultimate dream in your sporting career?

To represent Australia in touch football.