Star skipper departs as Collingwood’s disastrous season plunges into crisis

Collingwood’s AFLW team is in turmoil after its captain, Ruby Schleicher, announced her departure from the club. The 28-year-old, an inaugural player and dual All-Australian, confirmed she would not re-sign with Collingwood and would return home to Western Australia. Schleicher made the announcement on Tuesday after informing her teammates of her decision. She had sustained a season-ending shoulder injury during Collingwood’s round nine loss to St Kilda, which forced her to sit out the remainder of the season. Schleicher released an emotional statement expressing gratitude for her time at Collingwood, acknowledging the challenges she faced early in her career as a young player away from home. She described the club as a second family and thanked the supporters for embracing her both on and off the field. Despite the difficulties, she stated the decision to leave was the best for her personal and professional life. The timing of Schleicher’s exit adds to growing concerns within the club about the future of its women’s program. Collingwood is currently near the bottom of the AFLW ladder, having secured only one win from 10 matches this season. Several senior players, including Tarni White, Sarah Rowe, Mattea Breed, Lauren Butler, and Bri Davey, are set to leave at the end of the season once their contracts expire. Vice-captain Jordyn Allen, who signed a three-year deal in 2024, attempted to secure a trade to the Brisbane Lions last year but remained with Collingwood. Schleicher had initially been offered a one-year contract extension by Collingwood, but the offer was later increased to two years. However, she opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere, particularly due to the media exposure available in Melbourne through her roles as a commentator and presenter for Fox Footy. West Coast is believed to be the frontrunner for her signature, having reportedly offered a four-year contract. Schleicher’s departure echoes previous exits from the club, notably that of Chloe Molloy in 2023, which occurred amid similar struggles on the field. Her exit has left Collingwood with a leadership vacuum, especially as other key figures approach the end of their contracts. Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly issued a statement expressing disappointment at Schleicher’s decision but respecting her choice to return home. He praised her contributions to the club, noting her role in mentoring younger players and representing the club with resilience and character. Former No.1 draft pick Ash Centra paid tribute to Schleicher on social media, describing her as a leader, mentor, and friend who had a profound influence on her both in sport and in life. Schleicher joined Collingwood ahead of the inaugural AFLW season in 2017 and has since played 82 games for the club. She transitioned from a defender to a midfielder this season under coach Sam Wright and scored 10 goals before sustaining her injury. With the club facing uncertainty in its women’s program and multiple high-profile players potentially departing, the focus now shifts to how Collingwood will manage the transition without its former captain. West Coast’s pursuit of Schleicher suggests the Eagles are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. Schleicher’s final message to the club emphasized her belief in the importance of making decisions that align with personal growth and career aspirations. She acknowledged the difficulty of her choice but expressed confidence in the path she had chosen. The club’s response to her departure highlights the broader challenges it faces in retaining talent and maintaining stability in its AFLW program. With the current season nearing its conclusion, attention turns to whether Collingwood can rebuild its women’s side in the coming months.