Analysing the dire position of Collingwood’s AFLW list with brutal axe required
The Pies need to be bold and ruthless at the trade table after another failed season. Here are the rival stars they should target at all costs — and the brutal culls which need to be made.
Collingwood’s list needs close to a complete rebuild after another bottom-four finish.
While there were glimpses of improvement this season, including close losses to top-four teams Melbourne and Hawthorn and a big win over Sydney, there are too many players on the list who aren’t suited to where the game is heading as athleticism, speed and skill increases.
The question is when do you cut deepest and hit the draft?
I’d start now to try and fast-track the rebuild and take as many picks as possible in this draft and next year’s, which is slated to challenge the 2024 draft as the best ever.
Despite the overall lack of elite talent on the list, coach Sam Wright was able to get his team playing a tough, high-pressure and at times exciting brand of footy, but he doesn’t have the players capable of executing consistently.
Ash Centra showed glimpses of her immense talent in an injury-interrupted season and is the showpiece to build around. I first started tracking Centra as a recruiter when she was 15 and she remains the best female footballer I’ve seen. Her ceiling is enormous.
I also liked the selection of Georgia Knight last year as a forward with great skills and goal sense. She was quiet in her games this season but is worth persisting with and giving consistent games to next season, providing she puts in a big pre-season.
Defender Lucy Cronin is another key pillar, but she needs a lot of help in defence (more on that under list needs). She’s best suited as a third defender who can play off her opponent and intercept, rather than playing on the best forwards.
The midfield is solid. Captain Ruby Schleicher has provided more grunt and drive, Brit Bonnici continues to perform at a very high level and I loved the addition of ex-Bomber Lily-Rose Williamson as an injury replacement. She’s provided a point of difference with her power and ability to play as midfielder/forward, while Mattea Breed (inactive) and Bri Davey (ankle) will provide more flexibility through the middle and potentially up forward next year.
But the pressure is on high-priced halfback Jordyn Allen to produce more consistent footy next season. Allen only played six games due to injury but she needs to get more of the ball and add more speed and creativity to her game when she’s out there. She’s not doing enough with her disposals.
Alana Porter, Selena Karlson, Charlotte Taylor, Grace Campbell and Nell Morris-Dalton are all players I’d look at moving on, and the recruitment of Mikayla Hyde hasn’t worked. I’d also look at Irishwomen Muireann Atkinson and Kellyann Hogan as I query whether they have AFLW traits, and trade some experienced players (see below) to bring in more draft capital or a talented player in the 20-24 age bracket from a rival club.
Aside from four untouchables, Centra, Schleicher, Bonnici and Cronin, if a club came with a good offer for any other player I’d consider it. Sometimes tough calls need to be made.
LIST NEEDS
Collingwood’s list is in dire straits and needs just about everything. The biggest hole is in key position players both back and forward, but particularly down back. Lauren Butler has had to play as an undersized key defender and that’s just not where she plays her best footy, while Cronin has been asked to do the same but would excel as an interceptor who can sag off and impact. Georgia Clark and Morris-Dalton aren’t the answer as key forwards, while Sabrina Frederick has been a warrior but could retire.
Kalinda Howarth is better suited to being a hybrid forward who can roam up the field and shoot back towards goal. Could Davey transition from a midfielder to a key forward? That could help extend her career after playing just five games in the last two seasons.
The Pies also need to inject more speed into their half back and half forward lines. Tarni White had a breakout season and Allen is a good ball user but isn’t quick. They need some pace to break the lines and get speed on the ball, and then some quick forwards who cause chaos. Campbell is another who’s been a warrior but she’s not where the game is going.
TRADE TARGETS
Adelaide’s Zoe Prowse would be an ideal target as a key position player who has shown she can play as a key back, forward and pinch-hit in the ruck. The 22-year-old is out of contract and in the right age bracket to come into her prime when the Pies are back in finals contention.
Grace Kelly applies the pressure and Zoe Prowse kicks her first goal since round nine, 2023!#AFLWFinalspic.twitter.com/LdXuQvUSER
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 9, 2025
Young Kangaroo Georgia Stubs has been unable to break into a stacked team after overcoming a broken ankle last year and possesses the speed and power Collingwood need. She’d be a low-cost trade who’d play every week and could be lured across with the promise of senior footy.
Lauren Bella was in and out of Gold Coast’s team this season and could solve a few issues. Imogen Barnett had an outstanding season but with queries on Frederick’s intentions for next year, Bella would be a low-cost option to be the No. 1 ruck who would allow Barnett to play mostly as a key forward who provides ruck support.
TRADE BAIT
Mikala Cann has played her best footy as an inside midfielder but has been moved to half forward as the Pies looked to add more pressure to the front half but it hasn’t worked. With good depth in the midfield she’s a player who’s worth a late first-round or early second-round pick to stock up on young talent in the draft. St Kilda, Essendon and Richmond all need her type.
Winger Sarah Rowe has served the club well, but she’ll be 31 by the time next season rolls around. She won’t be in their next premiership tilt, and would hold value for a contender looking for more outside speed. Brisbane, Hawthorn and Melbourne might consider.
Eliza James has struggled the last few seasons but has previously shown she can be dangerous inside 50 with her speed and goal kicking ability. A change of scenery would likely suit player and club, with teams like Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn could see if they can get her back to her best.
UNTOUCHABLES
Centra, Schleicher, Bonnici, Cronin.
CRYSTAL BALL
Collingwood’s list needs as close to a complete rebuild as you can get. Up to 11 list changes could be made heading into 2026, if not more, which is close to half the list. The pressure is on the list management and recruiting team to nail this draft and the next two to get this club back on track. Centra is a great player to build around, but she’ll need a stack of elite young talent to come with her. It’s a long road back to finals from here, with the rebuild a three-five year process at least.
More Coverage
Originally published as Analysing the dire position of Collingwood’s AFLW list with brutal axe required
Why Dogs can afford to ship out former No. 1 draft pick
