Club/Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers
Position: Midfielder, small forward
Height: 162cm
DOB:  20 October 2005

WELCOME to Carlton, Lila.

LILA Keck will join the Blues after being selected with pick No.7 in the 2023 AFLW Draft. 

Touted as a player to watch in this year’s draft class for a number of seasons, Keck has represented Vic Country at both under-17s and under-18s level, forging a reputation as a clever ball winner who has the ability to be a match winner.

With an impressive sidestep and proving electric whenever she is near the goals, Keck - who can play as both a midfielder and a small forward - averaged over 19 disposals from seven games for the Bendigo Pioneers, leading from the front as captain.

Finishing in the top five of the two-kilometre time trial at the draft combine, Keck has the endurance and work rate to match her flair in the forward half.

Known for her unique goal celebrations, Keck brings high energy and is a clean distributor of the ball, as she showcased in a promising national carnival with Vic Country, where she averaged 14 disposals and a goal per game.

Taking the initiative to further develop her outstanding footy IQ, Keck participated in some coaching at the Bendigo Pioneers while sidelined with an ankle injury.

Playing for Sandhurst in her junior years, she won three premierships in four years. Along with two local under 18 best-and-fairest awards, she was also named in the 2022 Coates Talent League Team of the Year as a 17-year-old.

Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said Keck is a quality young player who all at Carlton were thrilled to welcome to the Club. 

“Lila has real x-factor. A consistent hard worker with clever ball use, she is damaging up forward, with the capability to cover the ground in the midfield also,” Naulty said.

“With impressive footy smarts and a natural leader, she has demonstrated that she can not only read the play well and generating scoring opportunities herself, but also bring her teammates into the game.

“She’s a ball winner with a great goal sense, and we think she’s really going to add to our mix at IKON Park, whether that’s as a midfielder or up forward.

“We can’t wait to see Lila’s character shine through in the Navy Blue.”