Collingwood has signed tall forward Olivia Barber for the upcoming AFLW season as part of a trade with the Geelong Football Club.

Barber was traded to Collingwood in exchange for pick 33 which was given to Geelong.

The 19-year-old was originally drafted by the Cats at pick 21 at the 2020 AFLW Draft and went on to play 10 games across two seasons.

Barber impressed in her debut season, playing every game except one. However, was she limited to just three games in 2022 after making a return from a knee injury late in the season.

Hailing from Albury in New South Wales, Barber represented the Murray Bushrangers throughout the 2019 and 2020 NAB league seasons. She also played for Vic Country in the 2019 Under 18 Championships where she was later named as an All-Australian for the side.

Standing 185cm tall, Barber will be a strong asset up forward and will offer great versatility as a former state-level basketballer.

Barber thanked Geelong for her time at the Cats.

“I would like to thank Geelong for the past two years and for giving me my first AFLW opportunity,” Barber said.

“As a Collingwood supporter, it’s always been a dream of mine to wear the black and white stripes so for this to now be my reality is very special. I can’t wait to meet the girls and begin this next chapter of my life as a Pie.”            

Collingwood’s Head of Women’s Football, Jess Burger said Barber is a welcomed addition to the program.

“Liv is a significant acquisition for the future of the Club” Burger said.

“Her athletic and football prowess allows her the ability to impact in multiple roles. This next chapter at Collingwood offers Liv the opportunity to build on her foundational years as a player and we look forward to overseeing her growth within our environment.”