The Bombers have added another 24 games of AFLW experience to their inaugural list with Ellyse Gamble signing with the club today.

The 24-year-old will join Essendon as an expansion signing through the 2022 AFLW Expansion Signing Period.

A foundation Western Bulldogs player, Gamble has become known as a reliable and strong intercepting defender.

Before making the step to the AFLW, Gamble won two premierships playing for Burnie in the Tasmania Women’s League and claimed the best-on-ground award in the 2016 grand final.

Essendon general manager of football Josh Mahoney said he was excited by the Bombers’ list build and looking forward to seeing Gamble in the red and black.

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“We have formed over half of our inaugural AFLW list. Not only have we had a group of high-quality players commit to Essendon, but they are also high-calibre people who will set the program’s culture for years to come,” Mahoney said.

“Ellyse is another player who will bring AFLW experience and provide leadership and guidance to her fellow teammates.”

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AFLW player contract manager Georgia Harvey said Gamble’s reliable defence and strong intercept marking were key attributes that stood out.

“Ellyse has shown over her career at the Western Bulldogs that she is a strong defender who is also creative in attack, and at 180cm, she is an imposing defender,” Harvey said.

“We look forward to welcoming Ellyse to the NEC Hangar and seeing her in the red and black.”