Collingwood has today welcomed forward Kalinda Howarth who has penned a two-year deal with the Club.

Howarth arrives at Collingwood as part of a three-way trade involving the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions.

Collingwood receives Howarth from the Suns, in exchange for pick 59. The Pies will give pick 68 to the Lions. 

A proud Yuin woman, Howarth will pull on the black-and-white stripes following 35 games in the red, gold and blue.

A two-time club leading goal kicker, the forward has kicked 20 goals across six AFLW campaigns.

A breakout season in 2020 saw Howarth named in both the All-Australian team and the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 team. She also received a NAB AFLW Rising Star Nomination in the same year.

This year, Howarth’s 2023 AFLW campaign was unfortunately cut short due to an ACL injury sustained at training in September.

Collingwood will be the 24-year-old’s third AFLW club. Howarth was originally selected by the Brisbane Lions with pick 31 in the 2017 AFLW Draft before being delisted a year later and selected for the Gold Coast Suns’ inaugural 2020 list.

Collingwood’s Head of Women’s Football Jess Burger says Howarth will be a great fit to the Pies’ list.

“We’re pleased to welcome Kalinda to Collingwood,” Burger said.

“A dynamic half-forward, Kalinda brings experience from a range of levels. A mobile forward, she has a strong footy IQ and her outstanding decision-making will benefit our front-half.

“Despite an unfortunate injury this year, Kalinda has been diligent with her rehab and is determined to return to her best in 2024.

“We’re excited to see what she can achieve in this next journey as a Magpie."

Collingwood currently has picks 8, 9 and 31 ahead of the 2023 NAB AFLW Draft next week.

The AFLW’s 2023 Sign and Trade Period will close on Thursday, December 14.