HAILING from the same local club as recent Essendon draftee Maggie Johnstone, new Greater Western Victoria Rebels (GWV) top-ager Lila Evans is ready to follow in her footsteps. The talented South Warrnambool prospect is making a move inside in 2026 and will look to build on her already impressive game as a member of the Vic Country hub.

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

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

LE: “I started playing footy in 2024 for South Warrnambool and I did a year there in the Under 18s and then last year I started player Under 18s for Rebels.”

Q: What was that rise like coming from local footy to the Rebels?

LE: “It was a really big step up for me. It took a while to get used to it.”

Q: You come from the same club as Maggie Johnstone (South Warrnambool), has she has a lot of influence on you?

LE: “Yeah Maggie had a huge influence on my footy career. She pushed me to start playing for South as well, she really pushed me to get here.”

Q: How are you feeling now coming into your top-age year?

LE: “I’m feeling really good, really prepared for this year. I think it will be a really good year.”

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

LE: “Usually my main position is wing but I’ve been training with the midfield so hopefully I’ll get a few minutes in there.”

Q: Where did you play at local level?

LE: “Midfield mainly.”

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

LE: “My biggest strengths would definitely be my speed and driving my legs, and also my kicking ability.”

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

LE: “Definitely my strength in the contest, being able to win more balls on the ground.”

Q: How’s the Vic Country hub been over the summer?

LE: “Yeah it’s been really good. I met a lot of people as well which was really good, and I think it’s set me up for a really big season. Learnt a lot of f the coaches and girls.”

Q: In terms of a player you look up to or model your game on?

LE: “Zippy Fish. I feel like she has a lot of attributes same as me like her speed and her run. I definitely try and watch her and take some key things off her.”

Q: What AFLW club do you support?

LE: “I go for the Sydney Swans in the AFLW and I go for Geelong in the men’s.”

Q: What’s the reasoning behind those two?

LE: “I go for Geelong because my Pa did so it was family based and near Warrnambool. I go for Sydney in the AFLW because I like all the players, I think they’re all really strong so I catch myself watching them more and try and model my game on them.”

Q: Whose had the most influence on your career?

LE: “Definitely my family, mainly my dad. He really pushed me to get to where I am, and also my friends have a lot of input on it.”

Q: Finally, what goals have you set for yourself this year?

LE: “My goal this year would be to play more midfield and also I think we’ll win a lot of games as a team so coming together and being strong as a team would be a good goal.”