Collingwood AFLW midfielder Aishling Sheridan will be placed on the Inactive List for the upcoming 2024 season following a decision to stay in Ireland to be closer to family. 

Joining Collingwood in 2020 as a cross-code rookie, Sheridan made her AFLW debut in Round One of the 2020 NAB AFLW season. 

The Gaelic footballer was awarded Collingwood’s Best First Year Player that same year and went on to play 47 games for the side across five seasons.

Sheridan was contracted for the 2024 NAB AFLW season but she will remain in Ireland. 

“Although I’m disappointed not to be with the team this season, traveling to the other side of the world for extended periods each year has been challenging for me,” Sheridan said. 

“At this time, I need to spend time with my family, partner, and loved ones. But I know the playing group will be held in great stead this year and I will be supporting from a far. 

“A heartfelt thank you to the Club for supporting me through this decision and I do hope I can return to the game in the future.” 

Collingwood’s General Manager of Women’s Football, Jess Burger, wished Sheridan well. 

“'Shero' has been a significant contributor within our program both on and off the field across the past five seasons,” Burger said.

“We acknowledge the difficulties Shero has encountered moving away from her loved ones annually and we support her decision to remain in Ireland for this season. 

“We will continue to stay connected with Shero and we all will look forward to seeing her back out there in the future.”

In other news, Imogen Evans returns to Collingwood as a replacement player for Sheridan. 

02:12

Evans surprises playing group as final list spot confirmed

With the Pies needing to fill one remaining list spot ahead of the 2024 AFLW season, former Magpie Imogen Evans surprised the group with not only her presence, but also that she would be taking the final vacancy.



Evans joined the Pies after being selected in the post-draft selection following the 2022 AFLW draft. Originally hailing from Queensland, the midfielder captained the Gold Coast Suns Academy side (2021).

Evans went on to play six games across two seasons before being delisted by the Club in December last year. 

“We are very excited to welcome back Imogen to the playing group,” Burger said. 

“Since leaving the Club last year, Imogen has demonstrated remarkable maturity, working diligently to earn her place back on the list. 

“She epitomises what it means to be a Collingwood AFLW person and she will seamlessly slot back into our environment. 

“We commend her hard work to date and welcome her back in the black and white for season 2024.”