Collingwood AFLW player Imogen Barnett has signed a two-year contract extension with the Pies. 

The freshly signed deal will see Barnett remain a Magpie until at least the end of 2026. 

The 29-year-old was selected with pick 33 in the 2021 AFLW National Draft and made her AFLW debut in Round Two of Season Six of the AFLW the following year. She has since gone on to play 23 matches in the back and white and is approaching her fifth season in 2025. 

Before her AFLW journey, Barnett was crowned the Pies VFLW Best and Fairest and leading goal kicker off the back of an influential season with Collingwood’s VFLW side (2021). 

Returning from a season ending ankle injury in 2023, Barnett produced a strong 2024 campaign. The key utility averaged 8.1 disposals, and had a total of 25 tackles, 28 marks, 16 clearances, and kicked her first AFLW goal in Week 4 against the West Coast Eagles. 

Collingwood’s General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger said she was thrilled with Barnett’s recommitment to the Club. 

“Imogen’s growth and application across the 2024 season was evident to see and we are thrilled to have her remain with the Pies for a further two seasons,” Burger said. 

“Beginning her journey within the VFLW program and progressing into the AFLW environment speaks to her determination and drive to get better as a high-performance athlete.

“Her signature expresses her belief in our system and ongoing development within our program and we are excited to see her continue to play a key role on and off the field into this upcoming season and future.”

In other news, Aishling Sheridan has made the decision to not return to the program to stay close to family in Ireland. 

After deciding to step away from the 2024 season earlier this year, the 27-year-old was placed on the AFL’s Inactive List. After a year away from the program, she has decided she will not return in the foreseeable future.

Joining Collingwood in 2020 as a cross-code rookie, Sheridan had her AFLW debut in the opening round of the 2020 NAB AFLW season and was awarded Collingwood’s Best First Player that same year. 

The Gaelic footballer went on to play 47 games across her five seasons with the Pies. 

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

“It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially to someone who has been such a key part of our program,” Burger said. 

“We are more than understanding and acknowledge the difficulties of moving away from her loved ones and support her decision to remain in Ireland.

“We wish Ash and her family all the best with her future endeavours.”