Collingwood will field a team brimming with AFLW talent when it travels to Sydney this Saturday for an inaugural VFLW game against the Swans.

Sydney, along with the GWS Giants, entered the competition this season for the first time as part of a fixture shake up, with the NSW-based teams playing between Rounds Three and Seven.

The Swans have been strong with many of their AFLW players starring, meaning the Pies will send a similarly balanced team with the likes of Ruby Schleicher, Sarah Rowe, Lauren Butler, and many other experienced players all lining up on Saturday.

Under new coach Tom Cashin, the Pies sit at two wins and four losses however have been competitive every week as they settle in to the 2024 season.

Cashin will have experience across every line of the field this week, with Schleicher set to Captain the side from a backline that includes Butler, Stacey Livingstone, Charlotte Taylor, and 2023 draftee Lucy Cronin.

Sabrina Frederick will play her first game since a stunning 2023 AFLW season when she lines up in the ruck, while Lauren Brazzale also comes into the side from last week.

Irish recruit Muireann Atkinson will line up in the midfield as she continues to embark on her first year of football, while second-year Pie Tarni White will also run through the centre.

Experienced VFLW players Carly Remmos, Sarah Ingram, Katie Day, Jaide Anthony, Akayla Peterson and Hannah Dyson will all also look to continue their strong 2024 seasons on Saturday.

Head of Women’s Football and Head of Strategy Jess Burger said the trip to Sydney was a great opportunity to see more of the Club’s AFLW players return to the field, as well as continue the integration of the VFLW and AFLW programs.

“Saturday is a great opportunity for some of our AFLW players to return to the field and focus on their development before the commencement of their AFLW pre-season,” Burger said. 

“The game will also allow us to continue the strong integration of our AFLW and VFLW programs.

“Despite having several AFLW listed players roll through our VFLW games so far this season, Saturday provides an opportunity for our AFLW group to continue to build connection on-field especially with our newer players.”

The game is scheduled for 12pm AEST at tramway Oval in Sydney, and can be streamed live via AFL.com.au and the Official AFL app.

AFLW players officially return on the third of June for pre-season.