Local Sydney University midfielder Nicola Barr has joined the GIANTS as the number one pick in the inaugural AFL Women’s Draft.

The 20-year-old was the first name called at the AFL Women’s Draft in Melbourne today, having nominated in the NSW Draft.

Growing up in Sydney, Barr only took up the game four years ago after a promising soccer career.

Barr has racked up an impressive resume in her short career including representing New South Wales and playing for the Western Bulldogs in last month’s Women’s Exhibition match, which set television ratings records.

As one of the rising stars of the AFL Women’s competition, Barr said she’s already looking forward to joining her fellow GIANTS ahead of the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s competition.

“I’m so excited and I can’t wait for pre-season to start,” said Barr. 

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of female footy and I can’t wait.” 

Barr has spent the past two years playing for the Sydney University Bombers and was recently judged the best and fairest player in the AFL Sydney Women’s competition in 2016, securing the Mostyn Medal - named after former AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn.

In her role as Mostyn Medallist, Barr attended last week’s Kevin Sheedy Medal night and said it really hit home how special it would be to play for the GIANTS.

“It’s really exciting to think that I’ve been looking up to these guys playing professional sport and now I’m with them and one of them and that’s amazing,” she said.

“With the pathway that is being created, girls are going to be able to play from a really young age and know that they can really go somewhere with it. 

“I never had that when I started playing and I think that’s going to be really exciting and will get a lot of girls playing.”

Barr will continue to juggle her medical science degree with football commitments ahead of the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s competition which kicks off in February 2017. 

To become a foundation member of the GIANTS women’s team, click here.