DESPITE a long-term season injury last year, Queensland talent Raffi Baviello remains a player to watch in 2026. Baviello went through rehab for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, but has emerged better for it, and now looks to break the lines again this year.
We spoke to Baviello at the Queensland Preseason Testing Day with the Lions Academy member excited about what the year could hold.
Q: Raffi, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
RB: “I started playing multiple sports and then my sister actually started playing footy first. Then I think just competitive me I thought ‘let’s just see how good I can be at it’ so then she got me into it. Went through a couple of different clubs and then got into the Academy when I was 12, started in Level 1 and then just went from there.”
Q: Last year you had the ACL injury, what was that like having to go through rehab and then being able to get back to this stage?
RB: “It was really hard. No matter how many people you talk to, it doesn’t actually prepare you for how hard the injury is, but I was really lucky. I had so many people there to help me through it and my parents are really great, my family was really great. I took it as a time to learn a lot about myself as a person because you can’t make footy your whole personality, so I think it was a really good opportunity. As niche as it is, I’m happy it happened. Then getting back into it has just been awesome, and I have a best friend who also went through an injury so I’ve been helping her through it as she helped me.”
Q: What position are you looking to play this year?
RB: “I was looking at the midfield, but ‘Zilks’ (Lions Academy coach Emma Zielke) has been chucking me around in a few different positions. I’m happy to just be that utility and help out where I can. I like been on the half-back, using my speed and kicking to get off that.”
Q: What strengths do you see in your game?
RB: “When I get the ball and have some grass in front of me, definitely my speed. Then my kicking has always been a weapon of mine, and sometimes I get a good overhead grab which is good as.”
Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?
RB: “Definitely my fitness. I’ve already seen some improvements this preseason. I’ve had some of my teammates really help me with that. That was basically it, and just really being more confident with myself on the field and really using my voice because I get in good space, so just taking advantage of that.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
RB: “I support Richmond, but more on the women’s side I tend to go for Brisbane.”
Q: Is the Richmond side just family for the reason behind that?
RB: “Yeah just family, my dad’s a Richmond supporter.”
Q: Who’s a player you look up to or model your game at the top level?
RB: “Mon Conti was one of my first ones that I kind of copied her game, and then Belle Dawes, she’s been a mentor for me the last year or two. She’s just awesome and her intensity in the game and just her work rate in the game is awesome so I really try and reflect that.
Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?
RB: “Pretty much just have the best year I can. Put my best abilities to show and just go through the steps. Hopefully All-Stars later in the year, combine if I’m lucky and then finally the draft.”
