The Rise of the Collingwood Magpies AFLW Team
The story of the Collingwood Football Club is a chronicle of tradition, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of success. For over a century, its narrative was defined by the exploits of its men’s team in the Australian Football League, a tale of legendary figures, agonising near-misses, and glorious premierships celebrated by a devoted Magpie Army. Yet, in 2017, a profound new chapter began—one that expanded the club’s identity and ambition. The entry of the Collingwood AFLW team marked not just the inclusion of women in the black and white stripes, but the genesis of a new legacy. This is the story of that rise: a journey from inaugural challenges to establishing a formidable presence, driven by the same passion that has always fuelled the Collingwood supporters.
This history matters because it encapsulates the evolution of Australian sport. The Collingwood AFLW team’s journey is more than a subsidiary tale; it is integral to the club’s modern fabric, representing growth, inclusivity, and the relentless spirit of the Magpies. Understanding this path is to understand how a club with a storied past is forging an equally compelling future.
Foundations and Inaugural Season (2017)
The announcement that Collingwood would field a team in the inaugural AFLW season was met with immense anticipation. The club, with its vast resources and historical weight, was seen as a cornerstone of the new competition. The task of building a list from scratch fell to then-head coach Wayne Siekman, who faced the unique challenge of assembling a squad capable of wearing the famous Magpies jumper with pride from day one.
The inaugural 2017 season was a baptism of fire. The team, featuring pioneers like Darcy Moore’s sister, Chloe, and star midfielder Brittany Bonnici, showcased flashes of undeniable talent and fierce competitiveness. However, consistency proved elusive. Playing their early home games at Victoria Park, the spiritual home of the club’s VFL/AFL history, provided a powerful connection to the past but did not immediately translate into on-field dominance. The season concluded without a finals berth, a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the new league and the development required. Yet, the foundation was laid. The sight of the black and white stripes on women athletes at the highest level was no longer an aspiration but a reality, creating new heroes for the black and white army.
Building an Identity: The Early Years
The subsequent seasons were defined by a search for identity and sustainable success. The playing list underwent natural evolution, with experienced players from other sports joining dedicated footballers. The appointment of Steve Symonds as senior coach in 2019 signalled a new phase, focusing on a disciplined, team-oriented game plan.
A significant moment in this building phase was the move to play marquee games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While Vic Park offered intimate nostalgia, running onto the 'G connected the women’s team directly to the club’s grandest stages and traditions, such as the Anzac Day clash. These occasions, often as double-headers with the AFL men’s team, exposed the AFLW side to massive crowds and intensified scrutiny, accelerating their growth and professionalism.
Key players began to emerge as cornerstones. Brittany Bonnici’s tireless work in midfield was recognised with the club’s best and fairest award, the Copeland Trophy. The defensive unit, often marshalled by the reliable Stacey Livingstone, became a hallmark of the team’s resilience. While premiership success remained just out of reach, with a preliminary final appearance in 2020, the team was steadily cementing its place in the AFLW landscape and within the broader Collingwood Football Club family. For a deeper dive into the club’s overarching narrative, explore our complete Collingwood Magpies history.
A New Era: The 2023 Premiership Breakthrough
The 2023 season represented the culmination of years of groundwork and the dawn of a triumphant new era. Under the guidance of senior coach Steve Symonds, the team transformed from a competitive side into an unstoppable force. The season was a masterclass in system, belief, and individual brilliance.
The campaign was built on a formidable defence and a dynamic, versatile midfield. Players like Brittany Bonnici, Jaimee Lambert, and the emerging star, Ruby Schleicher, delivered career-best form. The forward line, led by the athletic Sophie Alexander and the clever Chloe Molloy, became a consistent threat. Their system mirrored the pressure and cohesion that Craig McRae was instilling in the AFL men’s team, creating a symbiotic culture of success across the entire club.
The finals series was a testament to their character. After finishing the home-and-away season on top of the ladder, they faced fierce challenges. The preliminary final victory was a brutal, physical contest that showcased their grit. It set the stage for the Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions at a sun-drenched Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a tense, low-scoring affair, the Collingwood AFLW team’s defence held firm. When the final siren sounded, they had made history. The Collingwood Football Club had its first AFLW flag. The image of captain Brianna Davey holding the premiership cup, draped in the black and white stripes, is now an indelible part of Collingwood folklore—a moment of pure joy for the entire Magpie Army.
Key Figures and Cultural Pillars
The rise of the team cannot be told without acknowledging the individuals who shaped its culture and performance.
Leadership: Captains like Steph Chiocci and Brianna Davey provided unwavering on-field direction and off-field standards, embodying the club’s values. Their leadership bridged the inaugural era and the premiership team.
Star Power: Players like Brittany Bonnici (a multiple Copeland winner) and Chloe Molloy became the team’s marquee talents, capable of winning games off their own boot and drawing new fans to the sport.
The Symonds-McRae Synergy: The alignment between AFLW coach Steve Symonds and AFL senior coach Coach McRae proved crucial. A shared philosophy of pressure, connection, and enjoyment created a unified club environment where both teams could thrive. This modern culture echoes the standards set by club legends like Scott Pendlebury and now upheld by new stars like Nick Daicos in the AFL program.
The Magpie Army: The role of the supporters has been transformative. From modest crowds at Victoria Park to over 12,000 members and roaring throngs at the 'G, the Collingwood supporters have embraced the women’s team with characteristic passion, providing a tangible home-ground advantage.
The Home Ground Advantage
The journey of the AFLW team’s home grounds mirrors its growth. Victoria Park was the perfect, sentiment-rich cradle—a direct link to the club’s heartland where the Magpie Army could be close to the action. As ambitions grew, so did the stages. The Melbourne Cricket Ground provided the prestige and atmosphere befitting a contender, embedding the team in the club’s biggest occasions. This strategic use of venues is a key part of the club’s identity; to understand its full significance, read our guide to Collingwood Magpies home grounds history.
Practical Insights: Building a Contending AFLW List
The Collingwood AFLW list-building strategy offers a blueprint for sustained success in a competition with inherent parity:
- Draft for Character and Versatility: Beyond pure talent, the club has prioritised athletes with strong leadership traits and the capacity to play multiple roles, fostering a flexible and selfless team structure.
- Target Mature-Age Talent: Strategically recruiting experienced players from other elite sports (e.g., netball, basketball, soccer) has accelerated development, bringing immediate professionalism and physical readiness.
- Develop a Core and Build Around It: Identifying and retaining a core group of 8-10 key players over multiple seasons creates stability. This core understands the game plan implicitly and drives standards for new recruits.
- Integrate with the Broader Club Ecosystem: Utilising the high-performance, medical, and coaching resources of the entire Collingwood Football Club ensures the AFLW program operates at an elite level, benefiting from the same expertise as the AFL men’s team.
Looking to the Future
The 2023 premiership is not an endpoint, but a landmark. The challenge now is to build a dynasty and maintain a position at the pinnacle of the AFLW. The competition continues to evolve, with new teams and rising talent. The Collingwood AFLW team must continue to innovate, develop its young players, and retain its hard-edged identity.
The future fixtures will see the team defending its crown against every competitor’s best shot. Analysing these challenges is key for supporters; follow our Collingwood Magpies 2024 fixture analysis for a detailed breakdown of the upcoming campaign. The next generation of stars, inspired by the 2023 triumph, will now dream of pulling on the Magpies jumper.
Conclusion
The rise of the Collingwood Magpies AFLW team is a story of perseverance, strategic growth, and ultimate validation. From the pioneers of 2017 to the premiership heroes of 2023, they have carved their own indelible mark into the club’s history. They have expanded what it means to represent the black and white stripes, proving that the club’s famous spirit—its resilience, its passion, its hunger for success—is not defined by gender. This team has not just joined the Collingwood Football Club; it has enriched it, creating a new legacy for the Magpie Army to celebrate for generations to come. The rise is complete, but the journey is only just beginning.
Reader Comments (7)