Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher to return home to Western Australia after AFLW season

Collingwood AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher will leave the Magpies to return to her home state of Western Australia next year.

The 28-year-old told teammates on Tuesday of her intention to return to WA after 82 games in the black and white since being taken in the competition’s inaugural draft in 2016.

Schleicher is a two-time All-Australian, won the 2024 best and fairest, and has captained the club for the past two seasons.

The East Fremantle product has two more games left in the struggling Magpies’ season before she is expected to sign a long-term deal with West Coast.

“Collingwood has been my home for my entire adult life. Moving over here at 18 years old, I honestly never thought I’d get the chance to play at the biggest club in Australia,” she said.

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

“It’s been incredible and I love you all so much. I’m excited for my next chapter, but also for the Club’s next chapter and seeing what’s to come for the girls. I’ll always be their biggest supporter.”

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly paid tribute to Schleicher in his own statement.

“Ruby’s journey from arriving at Collingwood as a young player from Western Australia to becoming captain is something she should be incredibly proud of – she is a leader who cares deeply about her teammates, the club, our members and supporters,” he said.

“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.

“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.”