Tara Murray
It’s been all about football for Essendon midfielder Alana Barba in recent weeks and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Barba played a key role in helping the Bombers Victorian Football League Women’s claim their first premiership, named best on ground in the grand final.
The celebrations quickly ended, as she started training with Essendon’s inaugural AFLW side ahead of the season getting underway next month.
“It took a little while to settle in,” she said. “The grand final high was an unbelievable feeling that you can’t describe.
“Then training the next day. It was a bit surreal. I don’t think there has been a year like it. I’m thankful to be part of it.”
Rewind six months and Barba, who played her junior football at Roxburgh Park and the Calder Cannons, was in Queensland playing for the Gold Coast Suns.
She was added to the Suns list as a replacement player and would play two AFLW games. Barba said it was an experience that she would never forget.
“It was my first ever AFLW opportunity and I’m grateful and honoured to have had the chance,” she said.
“I made lifelong friends and moved out of home when I was 19, which I never envisaged doing. I grew as a person and a player and moved out of my comfort zone. I was humbled to get an opportunity and played two AFLW games.
“It was fun and enjoyable.”
Once the season finished Barba was unsure what her football future held. She wasn’t sure whether she would get another contract with the Suns.
With that in mind she came back to Victoria, keen to get some more football under her belt.
The perfect place to do that was with Essendon’s VFLW side where she had previously been playing.
“The Bombers are home,” she said. “To get into the grand final was pretty amazing.
“The season itself was amazing. I was back with some new players and old friends as well. I did miss the Bombers while I was away.”
While the VFLW season was still going, Barba was delisted by the Suns meaning her AFLW future was up in the air.
During the AFLW delisted free agent period, there was one club speak to her about playing in the upcoming season, Essendon.
“Essendon said they were really keen to have me,” she said. “I was very happy and very relieved as It’s where I wanted to play AFLW.”
With her future secured, Barba just continued on playing good football. A best on ground performance in the grand final capped off her VFLW season.
“I was very surprised,” Barba said “I was holding the Go Pro thinking who will win it, I said I think Renee Tierney will win it and holding the Go Pro facing her.
“The whole team played so well.”
Having had her foot in both the VFLW and AFLW programs, Barba is enjoying getting to focus on the AFLW season
She said the group was starting to gel and build a strong culture.
For Barba personally, this season she just wants to continue her development.
“I’ll keep working hard and hopefully get a spot in the line up
“I’ll push myself and the ultimate goal is to play one game. I want to develop as a player, that’s my main goal.”
