SNAPSHOT: “A skilful utility who makes good decisions with ball in hand and showcases big-game ability.”

Lily Baxter is a highly damaging offensive player who has spent time up forward, down back or on a wing to give herself a really well-rounded outside game heading to the next level. A two-time SANFLW premiership player – and a kick off being a three-time premiership player – Baxter has held her spot in the strong South Adelaide side over the last few seasons which is credit to both her ability and importance in the team.

Baxter’s football journey began out with Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Football League, over an hour south of Adelaide on the coast. The youngster played 46 games over the first four seasons, including nine during 2020 when she booted 10 goals in the Junior Colts grade. Making her senior women’s debut a the club the following season – aged just 14 – Baxter was quickly making strides down south.

She represented the competition in interleague at Under 17s level in the same year despite still being three years below the top-age group. Though already on the South Australian talent pathway radar, Baxter made the move to the stronger Victor Harbour side to play a mix of Under 17s and senior football, while also running out for the Croweaters in the interstate National Development Championships as a bottom-ager.

By the time her double bottom-age season had rolled aroud, Baxter was a household name in South Australia. She trialled with the League side booting two goals in an impressive performance in preseason, then cracked straight in for debut in Round 1. Eight goals from 12 games in her first season playing up forward – before a late stint on the wing to replace Holly Ifould – including a match-winning major that won her the Maccas Moment for that competition.

She went on to come within a kick of being a premiership player in her debut season, then also went down in her Under 17s Grand Final with Victor Harbor to Willunga. However 2024 would prove much more successful with Baxter able to take part in the Panthers’ flag, playing all bar one game – when she dropped back to Development League for a rare stint there – and becoming a crucial member of the side on the wing.

She stepped up to Under 18s level with South Australia, averaging 10.3 disposals, 2.7 marks and 2.3 tackles, before being named in the Under 17 Futures squad. That subsequently lead to Baxter securing a place in the National Academy, and playing in another SANFLW premiership with South Adelaide. She averaged 12.5 disposals, 2.7 marks, 1.8 tackles and booted seven goals largely playing wing.

While her national carnival was a touch quieter, she still had her moments and mostly was trialled off half-back to further illustrate her running and kicking from behind the ball. After three seasons of showing off her offensive prowess, Baxter earned a National Draft Combine invitation.

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