Calder Cannon Alana Barba believes she’s ready to step up to AFLW

Calder Cannons young gun Alana Barba lives for the contest, the tenacious midfielder was a tackling machine at NAB League and Vic Metro level this season and can’t wait for a shot at AFLW.

Growing up a keen footy fan, Alana Barba’s experience at the MCG for the AFLW Draft combine was surreal.

The Calder Cannons star was trying to soak in as much of the opportunity as possible as she moves one step closer to realising her dream.

“Growing up watching the football and being here, I’ve definitely come to the realisation that this is real. It’s very exciting,” Barba said.

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Barba was one of Cannons’ leading lights this season as the club reached the NAB League grand final, playing 11 games and averaging 12 disposals and seven tackles.

The tough midfielder also played all four games for Vic Metro in its undefeated Under-18 National Championships campaign.

The Roxburgh Park junior then suited up for Essendon in the VFLW — making four appearances — and getting vital experience against more mature bodies.

Alana Barba completes the agility test.

Alana Barba completes the running vertical jump test.

“I’m a midfielder, inside mid, I love being involved in the contest and tackling, anything I can do to be involved,” Barba said.

“Playing VFLW gave me an opportunity to play in different roles and forward was one of those.

“The step up in the physicality and pace of the game in VFLW, I think I adjusted to it well and I’m really looking forward to getting a chance at AFLW.”

While football wasn’t always a possibility for young girls, Barba was quick to jump back to her first passion with the introduction of AFLW.

“I was definitely into (women’s football) before but I grew up playing basketball because football wasn’t the main outlet for us girls,” she said.

Alan Barba (left) watches Gloria Elarmaly get a kick away.

“Once (the talent pathways) got introduced, I left basketball behind and moved over to football.”

A Carlton supporter, Barba came through the Cannons’ production line with Blues gun and reigning AFLW Rising Star Maddy Prespakis.

Barba is prepared to do anything to join her former teammate at the top level.

“Maddy is a great athlete and an even better person. At the Cannons she was a really good support for the younger girls,” Barba said.

“That’s my goal, so everything I can do to better myself in that way is what I want to do.”

Barba has nominated Victoria ahead of the October 22 draft as she contemplates her university options.

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