The Bombers have continued their inaugural AFLW list build with Alana Barba and Olivia Barton signing with the club.

After being drafted to the Gold Coast Suns from the VFLW Bombers for the 2022 season, Barba comes to the club as a delisted free agent while Barton will make the step from Port Melbourne’s VFLW side.

Barba played two games for the Suns in 2022 and returned to VFLW level in round nine, playing the following six matches to average 13 disposals, 9.3 kicks and 4.7 tackles.

With the ability to play through midfield and forward, 20-year-old Barba adds pressure around the contest with strong tackles and quick ball movement.

Alana Barba has been a key part of the Bombers' VFLW success. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Joining Barba is Barton, a 172cm defender who is reliable in contests and thrives in one-on-ones. 

The 20-year-old is agile in contests and can play as a tall or small defender.

Playing 13 VFLW games for Port Melbourne this season, Barton has averaged 17.1 disposals, 11.8 kicks and 2.9 tackles. 

Olivia Barton in action for Port Melbourne. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Essendon general manager of football Josh Mahoney said the pair would be fantastic additions to the Bombers’ inaugural AFLW team.

“It’s very exciting to see Alana and Olivia join our AFLW side. They’ve both got a lot of potential and will bring with them lots of VFLW experience,” Mahoney said. 

“I look forward to seeing Alana, Olivia and the rest of our list together for the first night of training on Monday.”

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AFLW contract manager Georgia Harvey said both players will bring a competitive nature to the Bombers’ inaugural side.

“Alana is a fierce competitor who can rotate from on-ball to up forward and tackles hard,” Harvey said.

“Olivia is competitive, agile through congestion and will bring a lot defensively to our team structure.

“Both players are young, determined and welcome additions to our AFLW side.”