Collingwood’s three-time best and fairest winner Jaimee Lambert heads up a list of leading talent who have re-signed with the club ahead of the upcoming AFLW season.

Lambert has put pen to paper for another season, while Brianna Davey, Ruby Schleicher, Mikala Cann and Brittany Bonnici have all penned two-year deals. 

Averaging 20.3 disposals this season, Lambert was a dominate force through the midfield polling in every match of the home and away season.

Leading the side in contested possessions (109), inside 50s (31) and clearances (averaging 4.3), Lambert earnt her second All-Australian selection earlier this year.

Whilst Davey’s 2022 campaign was cut short through an ACL injury in the season opener, the 2021 club and league best and fairest continued to play a key role as the side’s co-captain alongside Steph Chiocci.

As the club’s dual runner up best and fairest winner, Schleicher was a pillar of strength in defence last season, with the second highest ranking in marks (54) and intercept possessions (79) in the league.

The Pies’ vice-captain and foundation player received her second All-Australian selection earlier this year.

With 2022 being her best season to date, Cann finished in third position in the club’s best and fairest count.

The 21-year-old impressed in the midfield averaging career-high disposals (15.6), tackles (4.1) and score involvements (2.3).

Despite suffering an ACL injury late in the 2022 season, Bonnici made solid impact across her eight games, averaging 19 disposals.

A consistent performer for the side, the Pies’ vice-captain and foundation player has finished in the top five for the club’s best and fairest count across the past four seasons.

Collingwood’s Head of Women’s Football Jess Burger said she was thrilled to sign some of the squad’s top talent on the final day of the AFLW sign and trade period.

“The club would like to congratulate these players off the back of their impressive performances in the season earlier this year and we’re excited to have them recommit for season seven,” Burger said.

“This group of players have great calibre, and all bring experience and leadership to our program both on and off the field. Their recommitments lay a great foundation for our season ahead, as well as for the future and we hope they can carry their impressive performances through into this next season.”

“Whilst Britt and Bri will spend the rest of the year on the inactive list, both players remain committed to their rehab and will continue to drive the playing group this season as leaders.” 

“To have retained 25 of our players in a year of expansion is a great sign that there is an ongoing belief in what we’re continuing to build within our program.”  

Collingwood has now secured 28 players (26 active) for the upcoming AFLW season which is set to commence the weekend of 25-27 August.

Collingwood’s AFLW program will return to the AIA Centre for pre-season training on Monday June 13.