Fears Collingwood could be ripped apart after captain’s startling exit
Collingwood AFLW star Jordyn Allen has called on the club to undergo a review into its failings after news captain Ruby Schleicher will depart at the end of the season for West Coast.
The club has confirmed that it will lose its best player, who will reportedly sign a four-year deal at the Eagles.
Ruby Schleicher of the Magpies speaks to the team. Getty
The Age has reported that Collingwood initially offered Schleicher a one-year contract extension, before upping it to two.
However, given rival teams are offering four-year deals for their best players, the contract was seen as far below market standard.
The loss is an enormous concern for the Magpies, who have won just five games since the start of the 2024 season, and just one in 2026. They have a percentage of 56 and sit alongside Essendon and St Kilda at the bottom of the ladder.
"I think the program will be reviewed. Sitting here as a person who is looking at the situation, I think it would make sense," Allen told AFL Media during the week.
Speaking to News Corp in October, however, Pies CEO Craig Kelly ruled out an independent review of the club’s women’s football program, saying the club was capable of handling it internally. Richmond and Carlton have previously gone external after poor runs.
Industry sources familiar with the situation at Collingwood, who wished not to be named, told Nine.com.au that Schleicher’s departure could signal the beginning of an exodus of players.
It comes as the playing group's frustrations surrounding the club's lack of investment in their AFLW program reach fever pitch.
Players are unhappy with all aspects of the club, including coaching, high performance and list management, and feel they are behind local rivals like Melbourne, Carlton and North Melbourne, despite being the biggest sporting club in Victoria.
On top of Schleicher, the likes of Tarni White, Brianna Davey, Sarah Rowe and Lauren Butler are all out of contract. White in particular has significant interest from multiple clubs.
Allen herself requested a trade to Brisbane last season, but was held to her contract by the Pies.
She spoke candidly about how difficult another season plastered to the bottom of the ladder has been for her and her teammates.
Magpies player Jordyn Allen (left) is frustrated. Getty Images
“Not shying away from the fact that it’s been exhausting, from a staff and player perspective because it’s been so covered in the media, you’re having players, teammates, ex-teammates, ex-staff members reach out, genuinely just wanting to know how you’re going,” Allen said.
“It is so well-intentioned, and you are so fortunate to have so many people who care so deeply, but it is exhausting when you’re constantly rehashing conversations.”
Collingwood was one of the eight inaugural AFLW clubs, but outside of finals runs in 2021 and 2022, they have largely been a non-factor across the competition's history.
They also drew significant criticism in 2023 for axing their Super Netball team.
