GIPPSLAND Power prospect Lily Milner has spent time across different roles and looms as one to watch in 2026. The Vic Country Under 16s representative found her place in the Power lineup last season, and alongside Grace Dillow loom as the two key rotating midfielder/forwards from the Gippsland region.

We spoke to Milner at the recent Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.

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

LM: “I started in Auskick. I actually started the year before, you’re supposed to start at six but mum chucked me in at five. This was in New South Wales, so I started my footy journey there, and then moved across to Victoria in 2020.”

Q: What was the reason behind the move?

LM: “We’ve got family over here and we live on property so my parents wanted some land as we’ve got some horses and dirt bikes, stuff like that.”

Q: Stepping up from local to Gippsland and Vic Country Under 16s, what was that like for you?

LM: “It was cool to start with, just I think the standard, the professionalism in that environment was a bit of an eye-opener. It was a good look inside at what I want to do professionally.”

Q: What position do you see yourself playing this year?

LM: “Primarily a midfielder. Last year I did some midfield but also learnt the half-forward flank role. I think versatility is important as well, but primary role will be midfielder.”

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

LM: “I think my overall IQ and just my disposal by hand or foot as well.”

Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?

LM: “Contested marking would be a good one to see it come through in my game, and I think just power and driving outside of stoppage because I think I’ve got some speed so being able to demonstrate that with footy in hand.”

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

LM: “That would be my parents. But I would have to give it to my dad. He played football when he was younger so I think all the times when I was younger he’d take me out for a kick and teach me stuff, that’s been quite influential.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

LM: “There’s not one that I support, I go for many. I just follow the girls that I know and wherever they’re playing that’s who I go for.”

Q: Did you have a men’s team before that?

LM: “Essendon.”

Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?

LM: “I really like Ella Roberts from West Coast. Just the way her disposal’s really good and she’s also able to use her speed to drive from the contest which is really good.”

Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
LM: “I think setting intrinsic goals this year will be important. Not focused on stats or selection or anything like that. Just wanting to improve areas of my game, my contested marking and drive from stoppage.”