Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher to leave for West Coast

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 01:02 · Archive

Collingwood AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher is leaving the club to return to Western Australia, with West Coast expected to sign her.

Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher has announced her departure from the AFLW club to return to Western Australia. The 28-year-old informed the Magpies of her decision on Tuesday, a day after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in their round-nine loss to St Kilda.

Schleicher is expected to join West Coast on a reported four-year contract. She reportedly turned down a one-year deal from Collingwood, choosing instead to pursue the move home. A two-time All-Australian and inaugural Collingwood player, Schleicher has played 82 games for the Magpies and took over as captain from Bri Davey in 2025. She was moved to the forward line this season and kicked 10 goals before her injury.

Schleicher said the decision was tough but ultimately right for where she is in her life and career. She described Collingwood as her home throughout her adult life and said she would always consider herself a Collingwood person. She also expressed excitement about her next chapter and the club's future. Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly said the club was disappointed by her departure but respected her decision to return home.

The exit is a significant blow to Collingwood, who have won only one game after 10 rounds this season.

Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher to leave for West Coast — Image: Perth Now

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

'Tough decision': Magpies skipper to leave AFLW clubAn already underperforming Collingwood have been dealt a massive blow, with AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher to return to her native Western Australia.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 00:44
'Tough decision': Magpies skipper to leave AFLW clubAn already underperforming Collingwood have been dealt a massive blow, with AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher to return to her native Western Australia.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 00:44
Ruby Schleicher: Collingwood’s AFLW captain to leave Magpies and play for WA club in return to home stateWest Coast is considered the most likely landing spot for Ruby Schleicher after the Collingwood captain confirmed she’ll head home to WA.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 00:41

In this story: Ruby Schleicher · Collingwood · West Coast · Craig Kelly · Sam Wright · Bri Davey · Western Australia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem