Barber rediscovers her love of netball at Winchelsea

After representing New South Wales in basketball and spending four seasons in the AFLW, Olivia Barber has returned to where her sporting journey began with netball.

The former Geelong and Collingwood footballer joined Winchelsea's A Grade side in 2026 and has quickly become a key part of the Blues' push towards finals.

Growing up in the small New South Wales town of Balldale, netball was Barber's first love before basketball and football eventually took centre stage.

"I started playing netball when I was younger which was my sport growing up as a little girl," Barber said.

"By age 11, I started playing basketball and found that I was enjoying that more so I had to stop playing netball because it became too hard to play both sports."

Basketball took Barber to the highest levels, representing New South Wales, Australia and spending time at the Australian Institute of Sport.

At the same time, her football career rapidly developed after she was invited to join the Murray Bushrangers before earning selection in the AFLW Academy and Victorian Country program.

"I got picked as an All-Australian for my bottom-age year in 2019 but then COVID happened," Barber said.

"I was then lucky enough to be drafted to Geelong in the AFLW draft in 2020."

Selected with Pick 21, Barber kicked a goal on debut and spent two seasons with the Cats before playing a further two seasons at Collingwood.

"Playing in the AFLW was probably one of my biggest challenges, but it's also contributed to how I've grown as a person," she said.

After stepping away from elite football, Barber found herself drawn back to the sport she first loved.

"The last time I played netball was filling in for a team back home and we ended up winning a premiership, but I hadn't played since then," she said.

Despite travelling from Melbourne each week, Barber said Winchelsea's country atmosphere made the decision an easy one.

"It feels very much like home. I'm very much a family girl, so the fact everyone is so kind makes it so much easier."

Standing 185cm tall, Barber has become an imposing goalkeeper and admits what started as an occasional appearance has quickly become much more.

"I only wanted to play a couple of games here and there, but I've wanted to play every weekend.

"The girls are just so welcoming and beautiful, so it's a really great environment to be in."

Barber has also enjoyed bringing the professionalism she learned at AFLW level into a community club environment.

"Playing at the highest level, you experience that professionalism which I'm able to bring into any team I've played for," she said.

"What makes a team isn't having the best players. It's the culture you create. If you have good people around you with good values, that team will go a long way."

Now sitting inside the top four with three rounds remaining, Barber believes Winchelsea is capable of making a genuine finals impact.

"I'm manifesting that we'll play in the grand final because I have so much faith and belief that we can do it," she said.

Finally, Barber hopes young athletes don't feel pressured to specialise too early.

"Play as much sport and try as many things as you can while you're young because you might surprise yourself with what you're good at.

"If you're not happy doing it, you need to ask yourself if it's really worth it."

For Barber, returning to community netball has reignited the enjoyment that first inspired her sporting journey.

"I've really enjoyed myself at Winchelsea this season and I'd love to play for them in the coming years.

"Playing at Winchelsea has definitely brought back a lot of my happiness in sport."