Collingwood has named its side to face Richmond in their Round 1 clash at IKON Park.
The Pies will field 10 new players, showing faith in their next generation of young talent.
Of the 10 debutants, five come from Collingwood’s haul of six at last year’s AFLW draft, with Imogen Trengove (pick 8), Amy Smith (pick 23), Mischa Barwin (pick 28), Josie Bamford (pick 29) and Zara Neuwirth (pick 48) all earning their opportunity at the highest level.
Off-season signing Charlotte Brewer will also make her AFLW debut, after spending the 2025 season with preliminary finalists Carlton as an untried injury replacement player, while Ariana Hetherington and Jemma Rigoni will play their first games in the black and white.
Rounding out the debutants is Mattea Breed, playing her first game of AFLW football in 637 days.
Breed, who joined Collingwood in the 2024 off-season after a trade with Hawthorn, spent her first season with the Pies on the inactive list following a series of knee injuries.
While the Pies will be celebrating 10 new faces making a start to their Collingwood journey, the Club will also be celebrating one of its inaugural stars, with AFLW Captain Ruby Schleicher also set to play her 75th game.
Schleicher, who was selected by Collingwood with pick 137 in the first ever AFLW Draft in 2016, went on to make her debut in the famous inaugural AFLW clash at IKON Park against Carlton in front of a lock out crowd.
Now, she’ll return to where it all began as she becomes the fifth Collingwood AFLW player to reach the milestone.
Olivia Lewis, Georgia Knight and Kellyann Hogan will serve as emergencies for the clash.
Collingwood’s Saturday night Round 1 opener against Richmond will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports at 5pm AEST.
AFLW ROUND 1
Richmond v Collingwood
Saturday 15 August, 5:05pm (AEST)
IKON Park, Wurundjeri
