AFLW inaugural player Sabrina Frederick has called time on AFL football, bringing to a close a distinguished 10-year career.  

Frederick informed her teammates and staff of her decision in a team meeting this morning, making this Sunday's game her last.   

The 29-year-old has played the game since the competition’s inaugural season having been selected by the Brisbane Lions as one of the club’s marquee players in July 2016. In 2019, she went on to kick Richmond’s first-ever goal as a team in the competition. 

Following 102 games, including 64 in the black and white, Frederick has established herself as one of the competition’s most recognisable players across three clubs and 11 seasons.  

Her on-field impact was immediate, earning a Rising Star nomination in 2017 and consecutive All-Australian honours in the competition's first two seasons, recognising her standing among the league’s best early in her career.  

Joining Collingwood ahead of the 2022 season following stints with Brisbane and Richmond, Frederick quickly became an important member of the Pies’ AFLW program.  

After spending much of her career as a forward, Frederick reinvented herself as Collingwood’s number one ruck, leading the competition for hit-outs during the side’s 2023 home-and-away season.  

Earlier this month, she became the first Collingwood player to reach 100 AFLW games, marking a significant milestone in both her career and the Club’s history.

  Reflecting on her career, Frederick expressed gratitude to the Club and all who have influenced her journey.   

“Playing for Collingwood has meant so much to me. I’ve played at a couple of clubs, but I never felt I was in the right place until I came here,” Frederick said.  

"The Magpie Army turns up week in and week out, and it will be so difficult not to see those faces. It’s been such a joy.  

“I always hoped I’d get to the end of my career feeling at peace and excited for what comes next, and I feel exactly that. AFL has been a lifelong dream of mine, and now I’m looking forward to chasing a new dream.  

"What I love most about this Club is that our connection is like no other I’ve known throughout my career. It’s something that’s hard to emulate, but it gives me great hope for the future success of this playing group.  

“Since I started playing, it’s been a journey of love and devotion. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished in 10 years, and I can’t wait to see what the next 10 looks like.”  

Collingwood President Barry Carp paid tribute to Frederick’s contribution to the game.   

“On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, I congratulate Sabrina on an outstanding career and thank her for everything she has given our program and the AFLW as a whole,” Carp said.  

“Sabrina has been part of this competition from the very beginning. Players like her built the AFLW into what it is today, and her impact reaches well beyond what she achieved on the field.  

“Becoming the first Collingwood AFLW player to reach 100 games is a historic milestone, and one she should always be incredibly proud of.  

“We thank Sabrina for the passion, care and commitment she brought to the black and white. We also thank her wife Lil and their children, Florence and Otis, for the joy they have brought to our Collingwood family.”