MELBOURNE has welcomed further talent to its list, signing Ella Little ahead of the upcoming AFL Women’s season.

Little, who hails from Millicent in South Australia, earns her opportunity after impressing for Woodville-West Torrens and as an overage player in the NAB AFLW National Championships.

The 19-year-old is a strong-bodied utility and has most recently been working on her craft as an inside midfielder. She is known for her clean hands, both in the contest and aerially.

Little was overlooked in the AFLW Draft earlier this year and has since been training with the Adelaide Crows as a train-on player.

AFLW list manager Todd Patterson said the signing was reward for Little’s perseverance.

“Ella is a versatile player, who has experience playing as a medium-tall forward and has recently developed as an inside midfielder,” he told Melbourne Media.

“She has worked incredibly hard over the past two years, both on and off the field, to give herself the best chance of joining an AFLW list. We’re really pleased to be able to give her that opportunity.

“It’s credit to Ella’s persistence, and we are looking forward to the impact she can have on our group this season.”

Little, who began playing footy at the age of eight, made the move from the country to the city last year to better her chances, later being selected in South Australia’s state squad.

At 172cm tall, Little joins the Demons as a replacement player, with Eliza McNamara to miss the upcoming season due to a back injury.

Melbourne’s season seven campaign will kick off on Friday 26 August with a Grand Final rematch against Adelaide.