Lilly Baker

Lilly’s story

Lilly Baker arrived at the 2024 AFLW Draft Combine after a back injury had kept her out of footy for much of her draft year. She ran 20 metres in 3.279 seconds and the two-kilometre time trial in 7 minutes and 52 seconds, placing sixth in both events. She also tied for second in the standing vertical jump. After a year with few chances to show what she could do on the field, Lilly made the most of the one she had.

A Sunshine Coast junior from Maroochydore and Noosa, Lilly came through the Brisbane Lions Academy and earned selection in the AFLW National Academy in her draft year. At 180 centimetres, she had the height to play in the ruck and the speed and endurance to play in other roles. Brisbane drafted her at pick 39 in 2024.

Then came another interrupted year. Foot surgery before the 2025 season meant a long stretch of rehab and limited football. Lilly kept working on her game through it. Going into 2026, she put together her strongest off-season, returned for a full pre-season and worked her way into Brisbane’s extended squads.

Lilly is still working towards her AFLW debut. Essendon saw enough in her development to offer her the chance to continue her career in Melbourne. After two injury-interrupted years, she’s earned another opportunity and knows how much work went into getting there.

What Lilly brings as a mentor

Lilly knows how hard it can be to stay patient when you’re used to measuring progress by how you play on the weekend. She can help you set goals for the stage you’re actually at, whether that means finding a routine while you’re sidelined, building confidence when you return to training or getting comfortable in a different role.

She can also help you think through how to prepare for a big opportunity after time away. Together, you’ll pick something you can work on, decide how you’ll recognise progress and check in on what’s changing. On weeks when things feel slow, Lilly can help you see the work you’ve already put in and decide where to put your energy next.