AFLW Draft 2023: Bendigo prospect Lila Keck on her goal celebrations, cricket background and club interviews

Bendigo’s Lila Keck can play footy – but there’s something else that sets her apart from the rest of the pool. She opens up on her motivation, unique approach and what Monday’s draft means.

There’s been the bow-and-arrow, the salt and pepper shaker and the chainsaw.

No, it’s not Santa’s most random assortment for those on the nice list this Christmas – but likely AFL Women’s draftee Lila Keck might yet have one big celebration up her sleeve come Monday night should her wish be granted at the AFLW draft.

Keck, 18, is one of this year’s crop’s most energetic and lively players, shaping her craft in Bendigo over recent years and leading this year’s Vic Country outfit.

But should her name be called on Monday, Keck is just going to let things flow.

“Sometimes I think about the celebrations and sometimes I don’t,” Keck laughed.

“Sometimes they just come and I just make it up on the spot.

“But I did rip the chainsaw out when I got the phone call to come to the draft, so I might whip one out. Maybe.”

AFLW draft prospect Lila Keck loves a goal celebration. Picture: AFL Photos

It all started after inspiration from now-Bomber Xavier Duursma’s arrow,

“I think I’ve always been someone who gets some attention – I’m loud and a bit of an extrovert, so I added the celebrations because all the footy I’ve been playing is super serious and it’s all about how you perform,” she said.

“I try not to copy – I try to make up my own so it’s a little bit more unique.”

When she recently became the first women’s cricketer in the history of the Bendigo Cricket Club to hit a century when she smashed 118 not out, even dad had a dig at her lack of trademark jubilation.

“Dad was a little bit annoyed – he was watching and I forgot to take the helmet off and do the David Warner (jump),” Keck said.

“He said ‘you like attention in every other aspect of life and you couldn’t even pull your helmet off’.

“I did just raise the bat and give everyone a little wave but there was nothing too out there.”

The teenager has X-factor.

She represented Vic Country as a bottom-age player before stepping up as skipper this year, averaging 17 disposals in the NAB League before a promising showing at the national championships when she put her goal sense on show.

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Keck at the recent draft combine. Picture: AFL Photos

Her lively personality has become part of the package. Picture: AFL Photos

Described by national talent manager Kevin Sheehan as a player who “plays with great zest and courage and brings real energy to her team with her enthusiasm said her”, Keck has character, and said clubs had enjoyed that factor to her game in recent pre-draft interviews.

“When you’re in interviews and meetings, that first point that they make is that you’re a good character and you’re fun to be around, so work hard and do what you need to do as well,” Keck said.

“My personality and ability to bring people together, as well as my football skills, is what I think draws a few people in which is really good to have that recognised as well as being able to play football.”

A handful of Melbourne clubs have shown significant interest in Keck, who has nominated Victoria as her draft state, both to remain close to her family and hopefully adjust to life as an AFLW player.

“At the moment, I’m pretty excited,” she said.

“I think the nerves will kick in as we get a little bit closer, but probably more excited and trying to take it all in and let it all happen. Monday night is going to be a pretty cool night.

“I get to go down (to Melbourne) and have that whole experience at Marvel Stadium and watch it all happen with my family and friends. Probably just taking in it all rather than worrying about where I might end up.”

Originally published as AFLW Draft 2023: Bendigo prospect Lila Keck on her goal celebrations, cricket background and club interviews