Lily Quigley's journey to the AFLW hasn’t been straightforward but the 18-year-old’s resilience has her thriving in her first pre-season at the Gold Coast SUNS.

After missing out on selection in the National Draft, the former GWS Giants Academy product relocated to Queensland where she shined in the U18 Talent League with the Brisbane Lions Academy.

"After getting turned down in the draft last year, I wasn't exactly expecting to get picked up," Quigley said.

"The resilience that taught me was that everyone's journey is so different. Moving to a new environment, a new place, learning to work that little bit harder and nothing is going to come for granted."

The New South Wales talent also credits her background in Oztag and Touch Football with helping prepare her for the demands of AFLW football.

"I think playing multiple sports growing up is definitely a good way for young athletes, especially female athletes, to gain extra skills and versatility from different sports," Quigley said.

Since arriving on the Gold Coast, the pre-season draftee has quickly settled into life at the SUNS, embracing the standards and culture of her new club.

"It's been unreal," the young SUN shared.

"All the girls have welcomed me into the team so well. The professionalism of an AFLW program and how much they care about every player is so important."

As the young forward continues to adjust to AFLW level, she has looked to some of the club's experienced leaders for guidance, with vice-captain Charlie Rowbottom leaving a lasting impression.

"Someone that I've really looked up to with their professionalism and the way they carry themselves is Charlie Rowbottom," Quigley added.

"The extras she puts in and all the work she puts into her own game is really inspiring."

Quigley's hard work has already been rewarded during the pre-season, with the 161-centimetre forward kicking two goals and recording five score involvements in last weekend's official practice match against Carlton.

With one final hit-out before Round 1, Quigley said the playing group has continued to build confidence with each outing.

"Over the past three trial games, the way that we've worked together as a team and embedded the way we want to play this season and our game plan has worked really well," Quigley said.

"The feedback we had from the week before, we've definitely built on that and tried to improve it throughout the week and then into the next game, which is really exciting for when the season comes."

As competition for Round 1 selection intensifies, Quigley is keeping her focus on continual improvement.

"For me personally, I’m trying to stay switched on at all times, having no micro-sleeps and just staying on my toes, trying not to get tired so I can exert all the energy when the ball does come my way," the small-forward shared.

"My goal this season is to train as hard as I can and put my best foot forward at every training session and everything I do.

"Obviously it would be a dream to debut this year, but it's definitely not at the top of my list. I just want to try and work hard and become a better player every week.

"It would mean so much to me, but not only me, it would mean a lot to my family and friends and everyone that has supported me throughout this journey.

“It would be such an honour to debut for such a rising club like the Gold Coast SUNS."