Collingwood’s 2026 AFLW campaign officially kicks off this Saturday, with a new look Pies set for a big year.

While the Pies finished 15th on the ladder in 2025 after securing just three wins, it also saw incredible moments like the emergence of then-number one pick Ash Centra and inaugural Magpie Ruby Schleicher becoming Collingwood's third-ever AFLW Captain.

With Collingwood’s season opener against Richmond quickly approaching on Saturday 15 August at IKON Park, here’s everything you need to know ahead of season 2026.

Who’s on the list?

Collingwood’s AFLW list went through an extensive turnover, with 11 players leaving the program while 13 new faces were welcomed after the AFL granted the Pies two additional list spots for 2026 and 2027.

During the trade period, the Pies welcomed former North Melbourne key tall Ari Hetherington to its list, helping to boost Collingwood’s height in all three key pillars of the ground.

Former Melbourne father-daughter Jemma Rigoni also joined the Pies as a delisted free agent, as too Charlotte Brewer, who spent 2025 on Carlton’s AFLW list as an untried injury replacement player following a successful season with Collingwood’s VFLW side.

Continuing in its pursuit for tall stocks, Collingwood also signed three cross-code key talls in young Gaelic star Ellie Brady and former Super Netball duo Maisie Nankivell and Liv Lewis.

Through the draft, Collingwood welcomed six young Pies to set the scene for the future, with Imi Trengove (pick 8), Amy Smith (pick 23), Mischa Barwin (pick 28), Josie Bamford (pick 29), Matilda Argus (pick 41) and Zara Neuwirth (pick 48) all joining the black and white on draft night.

While Argus will miss her first season after sustaining an ACL injury during Collingwood’s match simulation against reigning premiers North Melbourne, it presented an opportunity for Collingwood VFLW Captain Dom Carbone to earn another opportunity at AFLW level, signing with the Pies as an injury replacement player for season 2026.

Although joining the list at the conclusion of the 2024 season, Mattea Breed is set to make her highly anticipated Club debut after spending her first season in the black and white on the long-term injury list.

Fan favourite midfielder Bri Davey is also set to make her long awaited return to the field after the former Captain also spent 2025 on the inactive list following an ongoing foot and ankle injury.

Who are the leaders?

Ruby Schleicher will enter her second year as Captain of Collingwood’s AFLW side, closely supported by returning Vice Captain Jordyn Allen.

Third-year Pie Lucy Cronin has been elected by her teammates to round out the leadership group, with the 21-year-old already showing plenty of promise in her first two seasons in the AFLW.

What does the fixture look like?

Collingwood’s season is set to begin in a Saturday twilight clash against Richmond at IKON Park on 15 August.

The Pies will then return to the Club’s traditional home of Victoria Park in Round 2, hosting the Fremantle Dockers in a family-friendly Sunday afternoon slot, one of five matches set to be hosted at the historic venue.

Collingwood will then host Hawthorn for the first week of Indigenous Round, an opportunity to recognise the contributions of First Nations players and umpires past and present.

Magpie Army members based in Queensland and South Australian will also have opportunities to see the Pies in person this season, with Collingwood set to face the SUNS in Round 5 at People First Stadium before heading to Alberton to face Port Adelaide in Round 11.

Collingwood’s Pride Round clash is set for a new look in 2026, with the much-loved round to be a double-header at Windy Hill as the Pies host the Swans before Essendon face off against reigning premiers North Melbourne.

What about the coaching structure?

AFLW Senior Coach Sam Wright will enter his third year at the helm, alongside Senior Assistant Dom Tyson who will now oversee the midfield group after previously coaching the defenders.

Brady Grey joins the coaching group as Assistant (Backline) Coach. A former Fremantle AFL player and Peel Thunder WAFL premiership player, Grey brings four seasons of AFLW assistant coaching experience with Fremantle and Hawthorn, complemented by men's development coaching experience. He also adds proven leadership, continuing as the Pies' Co-Captain in the VFL in 2026.

Cameron Morris will continue as Head of Strategy in addition to being an Assistant Coach, responsible for the forward line. His football knowledge and focus on development will continue to be key assets for the program.

Tom Cashin will serve as Head of Development where the successful Magpie VFLW Senior Coach will continue to showcase his care in developing emerging talent.

How can I watch?

With tickets to all AFLW home and away matches just $15 with under-14s going free, seeing the Magpies live and in person has never been easier, with plenty of fun and entertainment on offer. You can purchase your tickets here.

For those who cannot attend, eight of Collingwood’s 12 clashes will be available on free-to-air, with the Pies’ Round 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 clashes all to be broadcast on Channel 7 and 7plus.

All AFLW matches will be available on Fox Footy and Kayo.

How can I stay connected?

All your news, video and Club updates will be right here on collingwoodfc.com.au, while the Club’s social channels will be heaving with everything you need to know throughout the season.

To stay up to date, be sure to follow Collingwood across the social channels.