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

Collingwood’s AFLW team is in crisis after captain Ruby Schleicher announced her departure amid ongoing concerns from senior players about the direction of the women’s program.

On Tuesday morning, Schleicher – an inaugural player and dual All-Australian – announced she would not re-sign with Collingwood and would instead return home to Western Australia.

In an emotional farewell video, the 28-year-old – who had her arm in a sling following a season-ending injury in round nine – fought back tears and said it was time for her to return home and spend time with her family.

Her departure comes at a pivotal time for the club, as it faces calls to change its struggling women’s program, with several senior players voicing concerns about a lack of improvement and direction.

To make matters worse, the Pies are anchored near the bottom of the ladder with just one win from 10 matches and facing a potential exodus of players who are out of contract at the end of 2026, including Tarni White, Sarah Rowe, Mattea Breed, Lauren Butler and Bri Davey.

Vice-captain Jordyn Allen signed a three-year deal in 2024, but tried to seek a trade to the Brisbane Lions last year.

Collingwood initially offered Schleicher a one-year-contract extension, but later bumped that up to two, as their skipper weighed up leaving the club and the impact that would have on the extensive media opportunities she has in Melbourne, including her work as a commentator and presenter for Fox Footy.

But the skipper’s untimely departure has given Magpies fans a sense of déjà vu after losing star player Chloe Molloy in 2023 amid the club’s consistent struggles to perform on field.

“This has been a really tough decision to come to, but one that, sitting with it probably feels the best for me and my career and my life at the moment and that’s to head home back west,” she said in announcing her departure on Tuesday.

“It’s clearly not a decision that’s probably even still sitting completely right, I’m not sure if it will, it may take a long time to.”

West Coast are the front-runners for the inaugural player’s signature, offering a four-year contract.

Schleicher informed her teammates on Tuesday morning that she was leaving.

“I can’t put into words the gratitude I feel for this place and the role it has played in helping me grow up,” Schleicher said in a statement.

“Being an 18-year-old coming across, those first couple of years away from home, as someone who is really close to their family, was something I struggled with.

“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.

“The family that Collingwood has become for me – the staff, admin, footy department and the girls I’ve played with – has meant so much.

“I’ll always consider myself a Collingwood person, and thank you to the Magpie army, who have embraced me, whether it’s walking down the street or at our games.”

Former No.1 draft pick Ash Centra posted a lengthy tribute to Schleicher on social media, praising her as a leader, mentor and friend.

“Thank you for leading by example, for the way you carry yourself and for the way you care for people,” Centra posted.

“You’ve taught me so much, not just about footy but about life, about believing in myself, about being a better person, and about what it really means to show up for the people around you.”

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly also released a statement thanking Schleicher for her contribution and praising her leadership skills.

“Ruby has represented the black and white with great resilience and character and has played a key role in supporting the next generation of Collingwood players on and off the field,” Kelly said.

“While we are disappointed to see Ruby depart our club, we respect her decision to return home. We thank Ruby for everything she has given to Collingwood and wish her all the very best for the next chapter.”

Brit Bonnici will become the only inaugural player left on Collingwood’s AFLW list.

Despite up-to-date facilities and strong history of success of the men, Collingwood’s women’s program has consistently weathered criticism of its list and draft strategy.

Support from Collingwood’s upper echelons for the program’s financial viability has also been complicated.

Kelly has been publicly and privately vocal about the financial risks of expanding the AFLW program. In 2025, the 18 clubs met for a conference, exploring the priorities for the future of the AFLW. Kelly argued the game should not invest too heavily in the women’s competition at the expense of upgrading the MCG, creating better facilities for the game across Australia and improving the AFL experience for fans.

Kelly has also copped criticism for his handling of Collingwood’s axed netball program, after withdrawing the license from the Super Netball competition in 2023.

Schleicher’s announcement came just one week after Kelly met with the Pies’ AFLW team and staff to address concerns about the club’s women’s the program.

In a recent interview, Kelly told the Herald Sun he and the club were “fully committed” to turning around the side and rejected claims he did not care about women’s football.

St Kilda recently announced an independent investigation ino their program following their poor season and resignation of long-time coach Nick Dal Santo, however Kelly ruled out commissioning an external review at Collingwood.

Collingwood declined to comment further when contacted by this masthead.

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