REIGNING Sturt Development League Best and Fairest winner Lily Smart made her senior debut last weekend, with the talented athlete getting a taste for the SANFLW. Playing off a wing, the teenager who won silver for Australia in the Under 18s Women’s Long Jump at the Oceania Athletic Championships showed she can compete at a high level across multiple disciplines.
We got an insight into her game, her role models and what she hopes to accomplish at this year’s SANFLW Preseason Testing event.
Q: Lily, tell us a little about your footy journey?
LS: “I started football when I was nine just because my dad is a big football fan so he wanted me to play. I started in a mixed team with boys because there wasn’t enough for a girls team. I’ve been playing with Mt Lofty since I was nine, still playing for them. Being playing for Sturt since Under 14s.”
Q: What kind of role do you hope to play this year?
LS: “I hope to be on a wing. Because that’s where I’ve usually been playing. But anywhere really if I make the team. Mostly mid or wing.”
Q: What do you see as the strengths in your game?
LS: “Definitely my speed and probably my vertical jump, taking aerial marks I would say.”
Q: What are you hoping to improve on?
LS: “Probably my kicking, especially kicking on the run, that needs a bit of improvement, so hopefully that can come with the state trainings.”
Q: In terms of your AFL/AFLW club?
LS: “I’ve always supported the Crows.”
Q: Is there a player you model your game on or look up to?
LS: “Over the years it’s been Erin Phillips because she’s such an inspiration for girls coming through footy and she’s just so hard at the ball, or used to be.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career do you think?
LS: “Definitely my dad, just because he’s such a big footy fan. He’s at every footy game and takes my stats. He’s really into footy, and especially my footy and how I can improve.”
Q: In terms of your goals this year?
LS: “First making the team, hopefully. Then probably just getting to know a few more of the girls, making good friendships.”
