GEELONG Falcons utility Ava Bilyk is a natural footballer with great smarts, decision making and skills, while having the ability to play anywhere on the field. The Vic Country Under 16s MVP had an injury-interrupted bottom-age campaign, but is ready to make her mark on the field in 2026.

We spoke to Bilyk at the recent Talent League Girls Preseason Testing event about her football journey, game, inspirations and goals.

Q: Ava, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?

AB: “Growing up, my dad played country footy so I’d go down and when I was little girl watch him play, and that influenced me to start playing so I played all throughout primary school, then local footy and now Talent League.”

Q: Has he been your main mentor thorugh the pathway or any others?

AB: “Definitely my dad’s my main one, and also my mum. They’ve been my number one supporters, driving me to every game and watching every game. But also Troy Selwood was a bit mentor for me as well, so he was a very good influential person, and then also the likes of Nigel Lappin who also played for the Brisbane Lions, he’s been really good as well.”

Q: You’re noticeable out on the field for wearing a helmet, what’s the story behind that?

AB: “I used to play with the boys so since then dad wanted me to wear a helmet, so since then it’s been my special thing that I wear.”

Q: In terms of your preseason, how’s it come along so far?

AB: “Yeah very good. I’ve been very proud of my preseason, I’ve put in a lot of work and excited to see what it shows on the footy field.”

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

AB: “My strengths are my decision making and my IQ, and just reading the play, and also my kicking. I feel like I can hit the right options. Then my improvements I’d say my speed. I think I’ve already been putting in the work, but I think my speed is something i can definitely show more in game.”

Q: Do you tend to watch a lot of football?

AB: “Yeah. A lot. I’d say I’m quite the footy nut.”

Q: Who do you go for?

AB: “The Melbourne Demons.”

Q: Any reason for that?

AB: “Dad goes for them, so I guess I just go for them as well.”

Q: Are there any players you look up to or model your game on?

AB: “Definitely Tyla Hanks, I get compared to her a lot. In the AFLW she’s just a great player to watch and uses the ball very well and is very composed with it, so I like to take that into my game.”

Q: What kind of goals have you set up for the year?

AB: “The main goal is to get drafted at the end of the year, but really just to make the Vic Country champs and play every single game I can with that, and to be injury free and play consistent footy.”