Lily Tarlinton (born 22 January 2002) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Adelaide Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW). A versatile tall forward who can also pinch-hit in the ruck, she was selected by Adelaide with pick No. 34 in the 2023 AFL Women's draft, recruited from the Bond University Bull Sharks in the QAFLW.
| Lily Tarlinton | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Lily Tarlinton | ||
| Date of birth | January 22, 2002 | ||
| Original team(s) | Bond University (QAFLW) | ||
| Draft | No. 34, 2023 AFL Women's draft | ||
| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Tall forward / Ruck | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2024– | Adelaide | 2 (0) | |
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of end of 2024 season. | |||
Tarlinton relocated from Mackay, Queensland, to play for the Bond University Bull Sharks in the QAFLW, where she became a standout tall forward. In the 2023 season, she kicked 16 goals from 14 matches and helped lead the team to the premiership. [1] She was also selected to represent Queensland in the state game against Tasmania and invited to train with the Brisbane Lions prior to the AFLW draft. [2]
Adelaide drafted Tarlinton with pick No. 34 in the 2023 AFLW draft. [2] She made her debut in **Round 7, 2024**, playing as an interceptible tall forward against Melbourne and retained her spot in the **Qualifying Final** against North Melbourne. [3] Across those two matches, she averaged about two disposals and 3.5 hitouts per game. [4] AFL.com.au highlighted her as a “recruit to watch” for Adelaide’s 2024 campaign, noting her ability to fill key tall roles amid list changes. [5]
During her first AFLW season, Tarlinton played SANFLW football for Woodville-West Torrens. She kicked her first SANFLW goal during a narrow win over Norwood, describing it as “getting a monkey off the back.” [6] Tarlinton also moved into shared housing with experienced Crows midfielder Ebony Marinoff, citing the setup as invaluable for her acclimation to elite-level demands and life in Adelaide. [7]
Tarlinton is known for her athleticism, marking ability, and adaptability to both forward and ruck roles. Her height and mobility offer Adelaide flexibility in matchups, enabling them to rotate key position players across the ground as needed. [2] [5]
Originally from Mackay, Tarlinton's journey through Queensland football pathways led to her starring role in the Bond University program. She remains connected to her Queensland roots and credits the community support for her development. [1]