DANDENONG Stingrays midfielder Lillian Snow is coming off a huge Round 5 game where she racked up 10 clearances from 23 disposals and six marks against Sandringham Dragons in a best afield performance. Snow clunked four contested marks in the game with the top-age talent one of the best above head while being competitive as anyone else at ground level.

We spoke to Snow at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, who she looks up to, and her goals for the year ahead.

Q: Lily, tell us a bit about your football journey?

LS: “I started in Year 5, but I played in a boys team for my first year. I played at Mount Eliza Football Club locally and I’ve played there all my life but I recently moved to Mornington seniors because they couldn’t put together a team for girls.”

Q: In terms of your role playing mid, is that your favoured position?

LS: “I do love mid, I love getting in there and getting the ball. I’ve always really played mid. This year I’m looking to playing a bit of forward hopefully to highlight a bit of my marking, but mid mostly.”

Q: You’re a left footer as well, do you find that an advantage?

LS: “Yeah I do because in midfield setups, I go one way and everyone goes the other way, so I do find it an advantage.”

Q: What do you see as some of your strengths?

LS: “Probably my overhead marking, contested particularly. My kick used to be one of my weaknesses but I think I’ve worked on it a lot and it’s actually become one of my weapons.”

Q: What improvements are you looking to make?

LS: “My intensity on the ball and my cleanliness when I’m picking it up.”

Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?

LS: “Hawthorn all the way.”

Q: Reason behind that?

LS: “My whole family goes for them. My dad used to play for the Box Hill Hawks, so we’ve always gone for them.”

Q: Who’s a player you look up to at the top level or model your game on?

LS: “Probably Jai Newcombe for the Hawks. I love his intensity and how strong he is on the ball and in the contest.”

Q: You’ve been part of the Vic Country hub, what’s that been like?

LS: “It’s been really good, I’ve met so many girls that I never would have spoken to ever. Everyone’s just so lovely in the league, they’re great fun.”

Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?

LS: “Probably my dad. My dad’s always been whatever I’ve wanted to make me better, he’s always pushed me.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?

LS: “I’m hoping to play every game hopefully, no injuries touch wood. Play every game and at the end of it hopefully get drafted.”