The 2025 NAB AFLW season kicks off this weekend, with Collingwood set to celebrate 10 seasons since it’s iconic inaugural game against Carlton with a nostalgic throwback to season one.
Collingwood and Carlton will once again open the season at IKON Park, with a clash under lights this Thursday night.
Ahead of the Thursday 14 August opener, here are all your questions answered about the 2025 season:
Who’s new?
Despite finishing 18th in 2024, the Pies will be looking for a fresh start this year after welcoming six new players to the list in the off-season, headlined by prized number one draft pick Ash Centra.
All eyes will be on the Gippsland-native, who made a big impact both at national and state level in her draft year. In 2024, Centra averaged 27.7 disposals and 4.2 tackles for her Coates Talent League side Gippsland Power, and will look to make an impact early for the Pies.
Joining Centra in the 2024 draft class is lively small forward Georgia Knight, drafted with pick 26 from the Eastern Ranges, and South Australian, father-daughter selection Violet Patterson, whose father Stephen played 96 games for the Pies from 1995-2000.
Established AFLW stars also joined the fold during the trade period, with winger and childhood Magpie Airlie Runnalls joining the black and white after four seasons with Fremantle.
Kellyann Hogan, a rookie-listed Irish recruit who made waves in the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, also joins the black and white after recently being named in the Division 1 Team of the Year as a right half forward.
VFLW recruit Lily-Rose Williamson is the final new face on the 2025 list, signing with the Club in early August after off-season recruit Mattea Breed was moved to the inactive list while recovering from patellar tendon surgery.
Ins: Ash Centra, Georgia Knight, Violet Patterson, Airlie Runnalls, Kellyann Hogan, Lily-Rose Williamson.
Outs: Stacey Livingstone (retirement), Aishling Sheridan (personal), Charlotte Blair, Lauren Brazzale, Erica Fowler, Sarah Sansonetti, Eleri Morris, Imogen Evans (delisted).
Who are the leaders?
Announced earlier this month, inaugural Magpie Ruby Schleicher has taken the helm as Collingwood AFLW captain, the third in the Club’s history. The 27-year-old, who debuted in the infamous inaugural AFLW game at IKON Park in 2017, will lead alongside vice-captain Jordyn Allen.
Allen, who joined the leadership group in 2023 and has quickly made an impact amongst the group, being elevated to co-vice-captain alongside Schleicher and Brit Bonnici in 2024 before now earning the sole title in a new-look Collingwood AFLW leadership group.
Utility Lauren Butler and midfielder Mikala Cann round out the leadership group, providing a wealth of experience and wisdom at both ends of the field.
What about the coaches?
Former North Melbourne player Sam Wright will once again serve as Senior Coach in 2025 after his maiden season in 2024.
Wright will coach alongside Head of Development and Midfield assistant and current Collingwood VFL player Tom Wilson, backs assistant Dom Tyson, and forwards assistant Daniel Currie.
Collingwood’s 2025 AFLW Coaching Panel
General Manager of Women’s Football – Jess Burger
AFLW Senior Coach – Sam Wright
Senior Assistant and Backline Coach – Dom Tyson
Forwards Coach – Dan Currie
Midfield Coach and Head of Development – Tom Willson
Backline Development Coach – Jess Duffin
Forwards Development Coach – Tom Cashin
Midfield Development Coach – Daniel Wells
Head of Strategy – Cam Morris
Where is the team playing this year?
A clash with historic rivals Carlton is set to open the 2025 season on Thursday 14 August at IKON Park, providing a must-see match that honours the iconic inaugural AFLW clash in 2017.
In a league-first 12 round home-and-away season, the Magpie Army will have ample opportunity to see the AFLW side in action this season, with Collingwood set to play six home games at the Club’s spiritual home at Victoria Park, including in Round 2 against the GIANTS.
Collingwood will play across two significant rounds in front of home crowds, Indigenous Round in Round 3 against Melbourne at Victoria Park, honouring past and present First Nations players and umpires, and Pride Round in Round 10 against Richmond which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Pies will travel interstate twice in Round 8 to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles at Mineral Resources Park, and to Queensland in Round 11 in a clash with the Gold Coast SUNS at Bond Uni.
How do I buy tickets?
Where can I watch the games from home?
Five of Collingwood’s matches in 2025 will be broadcast on the Seven network’s free-to-air channels, including their season opener against Carlton and their Round 3 Indigenous clash with Melbourne.
All Collingwood games will be broadcast live and ad-break free across Foxtel and Kayo.
How can I stay up to date with the team?
Get access to the Collingwood AFLW inner sanctum by connecting with the Club’s social media channels.
Website: Collingwood AFLW Hub
Instagram and Threads: @collingwoodaflw
TikTok: @collingwoodfc
Facebook: Collingwood AFLW
