AFLW 2026: Collingwood Magpies captain Ruby Schleicher to depart at the end of the season and join West Coast Eagles, latest news

Collingwood AFLW captain and Fox Footy’s own Ruby Schleicher has informed teammates she intends to leave the club at season’s end.

It comes as she prepares to cap a decade with the Magpies’ women’s program, having joined ahead of the AFLW’s inaugural 2017 campaign.

Watch every match of AFLW LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports.

WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

A West Australian, Schleicher will return home and join the West Coast Eagles on a four-year deal.

That’s according to AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge, who reports the Magpies initially only tabled the 82-gamer a one-year contract to stay.

A two-time All-Australian and club best-and-fairest winner in 2024, Schleicher was made Collingwood captain ahead of the 2025 season.

The club released a statement on behalf of the 28-year-old on Tuesday.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Schleicher’s campaign came to an early end when she suffered a shoulder injury earlier this month.

The scrutinised AFLW Pies’ season will come to an end after they play Essendon on November 1, having won just one of 10 games this year.

It comes after multiple reports documented worries over the future of the women’s program.

'This is not my burden to bear' | 06:25

Beveridge reported there were “genuine concerns from within the playing group” regarding the program’s direction, while Seven’s Tom Morris said it was a “dysfunctional environment behind the scenes”.

“I can’t quite believe how negative some of the feedback is from people inside that club towards list management, towards development coaching, even towards the medical component as well,” Morris said on Channel Seven.

Morris said Schleicher initially only being offered a one-year extension at the Pies “offended” those close to her.

“They couldn’t believe they only offered a one-year deal,” he said.