Collingwood AFLW ruck and vice-captain Sharni Norder has today announced her retirement from the game.

The 33-year-old draws to a close a decorated 18-year sporting career, three as an AFLW footballer and 15 years as an international netballer.

Across two codes, in netball and AFLW, Norder has donned the black and white stripes for five years.

Norder joined Collingwood as a foundation netball player at the end of 2016. She played 28 games for the Pies before calling time on her netball career in August 2018.

Two months later Norder was drafted to Collingwood’s AFLW side and pulled on the number one jumper.

The cross-coder shared in Collingwood’s 2019 VFLW premiership and in 2020 was honoured with AFLW All-Australian selection for her breakout year in the ruck. In doing so Norder became one of few Australian athletes to receive national honours across two codes.

This year Norder stepped up as vice-captain for the squad due to her leadership experience and understanding of the dynamics required for elite team success.  

With an array of netball and football accolades, Norder is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most decorated female athletes.

“After an 18-year professional sporting career, with the last three years being with the AFLW, I have decided to hang up the boots,” Norder said.

“Whilst I feel lucky that my body is strong, it is time for me to focus on other areas in life and spending time with loved ones, especially my husband Luke, and start building a life together away from the sporting arena.

“Throughout my sporting career, I've always been all or nothing. I’ve come to realise I cannot give my all to my husband, family and friends whilst playing sport and I cannot give my all to the Collingwood AFLW group whilst starting to build my life outside of sport.

“My journey to AFLW was different to netball. Rather being the best player, I wanted to instil the values I had learnt in the high-performance environment of netball and bring that experience to Collingwood’s women’s football program.

“The growth of this group over the last three years is nothing short of remarkable – the honesty, genuine care, and ability to push each other as athletes is nothing I’ve seen over my 18-year career.

“I have full faith this group has everything it takes to continue their trajectory towards success. Although I will no longer be out on the field with them, they won’t be able to silence my booming voice from the sidelines.

“I’d like to thank the Collingwood football club, with special mention to my first coach Wayne Siekman and recruiter Jess Burger for seeing the potential in me and giving me the opportunity to play football at the highest level.

“Thank you to Steve Symonds for your nurture and support which enabled me to become the footballer I am today. You are creating something special with this program and your impact can’t be underestimated.

“To the girls, the playing group, I am so grateful to have been a part of this team and I’m so proud of the women you continue to become.”

“To my management TLA, especially Kath and Tom, who have supported me and my career over the last 11 years.

“Lastly to Luke, my family, and friends. Thank you for always supporting me. I know I have missed countless birthdays, weddings and important occasions but I look forward now to being more present in your lives.”

Collingwood AFLW coach Steve Symonds paid tribute to Norder for a remarkable sporting career.

“It has been a true privilege to get to know Sharni as both an athlete and an individual,” Symonds said.

“Sharni has an infectious and energetic personality combined with a free and caring nature. She has been an instrumental influence on the environment and culture within our women’s football programs.

“Sharni has grown from a player who initially struggled in the game, to one of the best in her role in the competition. Her strong determination, worth ethic and competitiveness has seen her become a highly respected athlete across two elite national codes.

“She will be remembered as a national sporting figure and we thank her for her contribution to our club and team.

“We wish Sharni all the best with her future endeavours and know she will always remain a key part of our program.”

Collingwood fellow cross-coder Ash Brazill congratulated Norder on her years of service.

“It’s a sad day for Australian sport to lose such a unique athlete and competitor. I believe every athlete who has played with Sharni or against her is a better athlete for it,” Brazill said.

“Sharni is unashamedly herself and that’s why I love her. As an athlete it’s easy to conform and be what people expect an elite athlete should be but Sharni has always stayed true to herself.

“I can’t imagine it was an easy decision to walk away from footy but in true Sharni nature she always knows what she wants.

“I’m grateful I got to be a part of Sharni’s journey, from living with each other at the Australian Institute of Sport to playing alongside each other at Collingwood.

“We have had an incredible ride together across two sporting codes. I will definitely miss running out on game days with my best mate.”

Norder announced her news to the playing squad tonight. Vision of this moment can be found on the club’s website.