Schleicher to lead for 2025

Inaugural Pie Ruby Schleicher has been appointed as Collingwood's third AFLW Captain.

Collingwood is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruby Schleicher as the Club’s AFLW Captain ahead of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season.

The 27-year-old succeeds Brianna Davey who served in the role from 2021 and handed over the captaincy earlier this month.

A Collingwood foundation player, Schleicher made her AFLW debut in the iconic lock-out inaugural match in 2017. She has since gone on to play 64 games in the black and white stripes across nine AFLW campaigns.

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Presented with her first formal leadership opportunity in 2022 as Vice-Captain, she has continued to be a pillar in Collingwood’s defence, earning herself an All-Australian blazer in 2021 and again in Season Six (2022).

In September last year, she ended a stellar 2024 campaign, crowned the Club’s AFLW Best and Fairest winner.

Collingwood AFLW Captain Ruby Schleicher said:

“Walking into the four walls of Collingwood as a raw 18-year-old, being named Captain was not what I envisioned for myself back then, but it’s something I’m incredibly honoured to be named.

“I’ll be forever grateful for everything the Club has poured into me over the years and I can’t wait to give back by leading this group of incredible footballers.

“I’ve been so fortunate to be led by two incredible captains over my time in Steph and Bri. They have played crucial roles in shaping me as a player, person and leader – two people I’ll be leaning on heavily over my tenure.

“We have so many strong emerging leaders in this group, three that I’m lucky to have alongside me for this journey. I can’t wait to see what we are able to do for this side.”

Schleicher is joined by Vice-Captain Jordy Allen and leaders Lauren Butler and Mikala Cann.

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Approaching her eighth season with the Pies, Allen was elevated to the leadership group in 2023 and will serve as Vice-Captain for a second season.

Butler and Cann both return to the leadership group for a third consecutive year.

Midfielder Brit Bonnici, who has held a leadership position for eight seasons, has decided to step away in an official capacity but will continue to play an important role on the field.

Collingwood’s General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger congratulated Schleicher on the appointment and said this season’s leadership group possesses great depth.

“We are proud to announce Ruby as our 2025 Captain and look forward to seeing her make the role her own,” Burger said.

“Over the past nine years, she’s become a pillar of our program – continually investing in her development both as a footballer and as an individual, while consistently demonstrating genuine care and support for her teammates.

“This appointment is a testament to the respect she’s built within the program as a footballer and a person.

“We also congratulate our vice-captain Jordy and leaders Lauren and Mikala, who continue to challenge one another to grow both on and off the field.

“We are confident this group will lead with strength and connection, and we are excited for what’s ahead.”

Collingwood kicks off the 10th AFLW season against Carlton on Thursday, August 14 at IKON Park. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

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