Collingwood AFLW Captain Ruby Schleicher has today informed her teammates of her decision to depart the Club at season’s end and return home to Western Australia.
After spending the past decade in Melbourne, Schleicher has made the decision to return to Perth to be closer to family while continuing her football journey in her home state.
A foundation player of Collingwood’s AFLW program, Schleicher was selected at Pick 137 in the 2016 AFLW Draft before joining the Club as a teenager ahead of the inaugural 2017 season.
Since making her debut, she has earned All-Australian honours twice, won Collingwood’s Best and Fairest in 2024 and was appointed captain ahead of the 2025 AFLW season.
Ruby Schleicher said:
“Collingwood has been my home for my entire adult life. Moving over here at 18 years old, I honestly never thought I’d get the chance to play at the biggest club in Australia.
“I can’t put into words the gratitude I feel for this place and the role it has played in helping me grow up. Being an 18-year-old coming across, those first couple of years away from home, as someone who is really close to their family, was something I struggled with.
“This has been a really tough decision for me to make but one that is ultimately the best for where I am in my life and career.
“The family that Collingwood has become for me – the staff, admin, footy department and the girls I’ve played with – has meant so much.
“I’ll always consider myself a Collingwood person, and thank you to the Magpie Army, who have embraced me, whether it’s walking down the street or at our games.
“It’s been incredible and I love you all so much. I’m excited for my next chapter, but also for the Club’s next chapter and seeing what’s to come for the girls. I’ll always be their biggest supporter.”
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said:
“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, we thank Ruby for her contribution to the Club.
“Ruby’s journey from arriving at Collingwood as a young player from Western Australia to becoming captain is something she should be incredibly proud of – she is a leader who cares deeply about her teammates, the Club, our Members and supporters.
“Ruby has represented the black and white with great resilience and character and has played a key role in supporting the next generation of Collingwood players on and off the field.
“While we are disappointed to see Ruby depart our Club, we respect her decision to return home. We thank Ruby for everything she has given to Collingwood and wish her all the very best for the next chapter.”
