In a significant step towards the club’s journey to the AFLW, Essendon is delighted to commit to Georgia Nanscawen as its inaugural AFLW signing.

The VFLW Bombers’ co-captain has agreed to formally sign in the upcoming expansion signing period, highlighting the strength and foundations of the club’s female football program. 

Nanscawen joined the club from North Melbourne in 2019, making an instant impact to claim the Bombers’ best and fairest in her debut year. 

The 29-year-old was named VFLW captain for the 2021 season, finishing the year with the league’s highest individual honour – the Lambert-Pearce Medal – and named captain of the 2021 rebel VFLW team of the year. 

Standing at 160cm, Nanscawen is known as a tough midfielder who can perform under pressure, which was evident during last year’s VFLW finals campaign where she averaged 27 disposals and 12 tackles across the Bombers’ three matches. 

A former Hockeyroo, Olympian and AFLW player, Nanscawen has grown up in elite sporting environments, making her debut for Australia at the age of 17 and becoming the youngest woman to play 100 and 150 games for her country. 

General manager of football Josh Mahoney said Nanscawen’s leadership and drive were key factors in the club’s decision to commit to the midfielder. 

“Georgia epitomises everything an Essendon footballer represents. Over the past three years, she has shown her dedication and commitment to the club while continuing to improve her football and drive standards within our VFLW program,” Mahoney said. 

“As captain of our VFLW side for the past two years, Georgia has led by example with her on-field performances and has contributed strongly to our football program’s inclusive and supportive culture.”

AFLW player contract manager Georgia Harvey said the signing showed the strength of Essendon’s women’s program, and was a reflection of the standards established by players, coaches and staff. 

“It is a great reflection of the women’s program we are building at the club and the quality of footballers we are developing,” Harvey said.

“When Georgia joined us, she was very fresh to the sport after only switching from hockey a year earlier, so to see her get rewarded for her effort and drive to improve is well deserved. 

“It is also a credit to our coaching and support staff who have guided Georgia, and all our players to grow and develop their footballing skills.”

Nanscawen said she felt at home at the NEC Hangar, attributing her football development over recent years to the support of the club. 

“I’ve found my place at Essendon and I am so proud and humbled to sign with our inaugural AFLW side. The coaching staff and playing group have put a lot of faith in me and helped me immensely in developing as a footballer and leader,” Nanscawen said. 

“Since joining the club, I have been forward in saying Essendon is where I want to be. This club has such a proud history, and to have the opportunity to play AFLW for the Bombers in our inaugural side is pretty amazing.

“I cannot speak more highly of the women’s program at the Bombers and I can’t wait to see what we achieve in the future.”