The lesson steering Graham

By Stephanie Smarrelli 
 
Stepping onto the Suncorp Super Netball court for the first time as a Melbourne Vixen was a dream come true for Lily Graham. 

Growing up she spent every Saturday morning at the local courts with her friends, shooting goals and having fun. 

Now the 19-year-old spends her Saturday mornings preparing to play in the world’s best netball league. 

Initially elevated into the Vixens team as a replacement player, the past year has been a whirlwind for the goaler who locked a spot in the Vixens’ 10 for 2025. 

Reflecting on how far she’s come, there’s one lesson that’s stuck with her. 

“Taking every opportunity,” Graham said. 

“Last year when that spot opened up at Vixens, I really hoped it was me who would get it. 

“I did everything I could to get the spot, I took the opportunity with two hands.” 

Having been successful in taking the position, the goaler can still remember how it felt to make her debut. 

“It was very surreal,” Graham said. 

“I was in Sydney and came on with around five minutes of the match left. 

“There were a lot of nerves running through me, but I wanted to get on court, have fun and be the best I could.” 

But there was one thing that made the debut extra special for Graham. 

“The girls were so excited for me,” she said. 

“They got around me, I could see in their face their excitement for me to be on court and knowing they were there for me made it even more special.” 

With six SSN appearances under her belt, the youngster is set to flourish in 2025. 

Her breakout performance against West Coast Fever in Round 13 of 2024, giving fans an insight into her ice-cold composure. 

Graham had the entire John Cain Arena crowd on the edge of their seats, the youngster tallying up six Suncorp Super Shots that day. 

“I was a bit upset we didn't come away with the win,” Graham said. 

“It might not have looked like it on my face, but I promise I was having a lot of fun out there. 

“I was so into the game and focussed on closing the margin.” 

Part of the Vixens’ inner sanctum, Graham has been able to develop her craft alongside some of the sport’s best. 

“I’ve got a good shooting end in Sophie and Kiera,” she said. 

“I’m very grateful to be working with them and learning from them. 

"They’re such good role models.” 

Touching on role models, there’s one Aussie Graham holds in high stead. 

“Gretel Bueta,” she said. 

"I always looked up to her. 

“She was mesmerising to watch, she had this game style out in goal attack where she was everywhere and so athletic.” 

Heading into the new season Graham feels more confident in Vixens colours and has one goal in mind.  

“I feel a lot closer to the whole team,” she said. 

“I was really nervous last year but the girls were inclusive and took me in. 

“This year, I want to keep building those strong bonds, we hang out a lot outside of training it's a lot of fun hanging around them.” 

On the court, she’s ready to compete and this year’s there’s extra fire in her belly. 

“Every opportunity I get on court I’ll be competing to the best of my ability,” she said. 

“I'm always motivated to help in a final but I'm very excited for the Grand Final to be in Melbourne, hopefully the Vixens will be there.” 

As Graham aims to be more impactful throughout 2025, her support network will be behind her every step of the way. 

“My family absolutely love it,” she said. 

“We’re a big sporting family, I have a lot of siblings, growing up I loved watching them play sport and I'm grateful they get to come to my games as well. 

“They're very engaged with it and come to as many games as they can both home and away.”  

With the Vixens hoping to bounce back from a Grand Final loss, there’s been one key message from head coach Simone McKinnis. 

“Every training we show up and work as hard as we can,” Graham said. 

“The message is to always give your best effort.” 

Over summer, the 19-year-old spent time in Canberra as part of the Australian U/21 squad camp. 

The Aussie squad preparing for the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup with a Tri-Series against England and New Zealand. 

An opportunity the goaler hasn’t taken for granted. 

“It was great experience,” she said. 

“I really enjoyed playing against New Zealand and England.  

“They were very tough competitors; it was great to play against them because you don't get those opportunities often at a young age. 

"Hopefully, I'll see them again in the World Cup.”