Collingwood AFLW captain to leave at end of season
Quick Look
Collingwood AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher will leave the club at season's end following a shoulder injury, with plans to join Western Australia-based West Coast Eagles on a reported four-year deal after informing the Magpies of her decision post-round nine loss to St Kilda.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ruby Schleicher joined Collingwood ahead of the inaugural AFLW season in 2017 and has played 82 games for the club, becoming captain in 2025 after Bri Davey. She suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in round nine against St Kilda.
In short:
Ruby Schleicher, captain of Collingwood, will leave the Magpies at the end of the AFLW season.
Schleicher suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in their round 9 loss to St Kilda.
What's next?
Schleicher is set to return to her native WA, where the West Coast Eagles have reportedly offered a multi-year deal.
Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher will leave the struggling AFLW club to return to her native Western Australia.
Schleicher informed the Magpies of her decision on Tuesday after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in their round 9 loss to St Kilda.
The 28-year-old inaugural Collingwood player is expected to land at West Coast, with the Eagles reportedly offering a four-year contract.
A two-time All-Australian, Schleicher's departure is a massive blow to perennial competition strugglers Collingwood, who have only won one game after 10 rounds this season.
"This has been a really tough decision for me to make but one that is ultimately the best for where I am in my life and career," Schleicher said in a club statement.
"Collingwood has been my home for my entire adult life … I'll always consider myself a Collingwood person.
"I'm excited for my next chapter, but also for the club's next chapter."
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly expressed the club's disappointment in Schleicher's decision.
Schleicher reportedly turned down a one-year deal to remain at the Magpies after strong interest from the Eagles.
Joining the Magpies ahead of the inaugural AFLW season in 2017, the defender-turned-midfielder has played 82 games for the club and took over as captain from Bri Davey in 2025.
Schleicher was moved to the forward line this season under coach Sam Wright and kicked 10 goals before fracturing her shoulder against the Saints.
"While we are disappointed to see Ruby depart our Club, we respect her decision to return home," Kelly said in a statement.
"We thank Ruby for everything she has given to Collingwood and wish her all the very best for the next chapter."
Like Schleicher, Davey is among several senior leaders set to come off contract at the end of this campaign, while vice-captain Jordy Allen's contract runs until the end of the 2027 season.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ruby Schleicher will sign with the West Coast Eagles for the upcoming AFLW season
Likely · Within weeks
Collingwood will appoint a new captain before the next AFLW season
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What are the exact terms of the West Coast Eagles' reported offer?
- Will Schleicher's injury affect her ability to play immediately for West Coast?
- Who will succeed Schleicher as Collingwood captain?
- How will Collingwood address its ongoing struggles following multiple senior departures?