Tara Murray
Essendon’s first AFLW squad continues to take shape with three more players signing for the upcoming season which starts in August.
Eloise Ashley-Cooper, Renee Tierney and Isabella Ayre, who play for the club’s Victorian Football League Women’s side, have all committed the Bombers for the AFLW season.
Ashley-Cooper, who won the Bombers’ VFLW best and fairest last year, has impressed with her versatility across the Bombers’ backline and midfield, averaging 14.9 disposals, 8.6 kicks and 6.3 handballs per game this season.
She has been part of the Bombers’ VFLW squad since 2019.
Tierney joined Essendon at the start of this VFLW season after playing three seasons of NAB League with the Geelong Falcons and representing Vic Country in the AFLW U19 Girls Championships last year.
She has been a key target up forward, kicking 16 goals this season.
Ayre will get another chance at an AFLW career, having played 12 games for Carlton and the Brisbane Lions between 2017-19, before retiring to explore career opportunities away from football.
After three years away from the game, Ayre is ready to step back up to AFLW level.
Executive football general manager Josh Mahoney said these signings reflected the strength of the VFLW program and the success it has had in improving players’ development.
“In our inaugural VFLW season, the team won one game. Five years on and they’ve finished undefeated and minor premiers,” he said.
“These three signings in addition to the previous announcements are a fantastic reflection on our VFLW program and how it has enhanced individual players’ development while striving for team-orientated success.
“Eloise, Renee and Bella have been key to our VFLW success this year and I look forward to seeing them develop further in the AFLW environment.”
AFLW contract manager Georgia Harvey said the three players had shown great promise at VFLW level while also demonstrating their commitment to continue growing their game.
“Eloise, Renee and Bella have all been determined to develop their games and have consistently performed at VFLW level,” she said.
“They all bring a different set of skills, which will complement our list well as we head towards our inaugural season.”
