Alana Barba and Georgia Nanscawen have sights sets on AFLW Draft
One is a former Commonwealth Games gold medallist looking for an AFLW second chance, the other a talented youngster unlucky to miss out last season. Essendon pair Georgia Nanscawen and Alana Barba hope to hear their names called out on Tuesday.
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Essendon VFLW pair Alana Barba and Georgia Nanscawen are hoping for a second chance in Tuesday’s AFLW Draft.
Barba was somewhat surprisingly overlooked as an 18-year-old last season after impressing with the Calder Cannons.
The Roxburgh Park junior played four games for the Bombers after helping the Cannons reach the NAB League Girls grand final and representing Vic Metro at the Under-18 National Championships.
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Meanwhile, Nanscawen has already had a taste of the elite level after two games with North Melbourne in 2019 before being delisted after just one season.
A 205-cap Hockeyroo and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, the 28-year-old responded by winning the Bombers’ VFLW best-and-fairest.
She averaged 18 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 7.5 tackles a game and was rewarded with selection in the VFLW Team of the Year.
Essendon coach Brendan Major said both women were capable of making an impact at the top level.
“I think they’re both a very good chance or at least they should be,” he said.
“Georgia’s sporting history is stacked with success and she had a really, really good year last year and I think Barb was really unlucky not to get drafted.
I know Alana’s been working with (talent manager) Russell (Humphrey) from Calder, they’re within the 5km radius, and she’s been preparing as best as she can.
“Georgia’s a consummate professional, she’s been working really hard on skill-specific stuff we identified.”
Just over 30 Victoria players are expected to hear their names called on Tuesday as hopefuls can nominate their preferred state or region.
With the football season cancelled in Victoria this year clubs could look for mature, ready-made prospects.
Victorian hopefuls were also restricted to the 2km time trial only as part of the online draft combine.
Major believes both of his players would be ready to go if picked.
“It’s going to be an interesting draft, there’s a lot of unknowns, it’s going to be difficult for clubs to sort out who they want to pick when there’s been very few games played,” he said.
“The players have prepared as best they can … and whatever club they get to they’ll have a good base to work from.”