Collingwood AFLW coach Sam Wright departs after one-win season

Captain Ruby Schleicher not re-signing; player exodus feared

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published27 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources4 outlets

Sam Wright has announced he will step down as Collingwood's AFLW senior coach after a disastrous season, with only one win heading into the final round.

Wright's resignation after three seasons comes amid senior players' concerns about a lack of improvement and direction in the program. Captain Ruby Schleicher has already decided not to re-sign, instead returning to Western Australia, and Collingwood faces a potential exodus of out-of-contract players including Tarni White, Sarah Rowe, Mattea Breed, Lauren Butler and Bri Davey.

In a statement, Wright said it had been a privilege to work for the Collingwood AFLW program and extended his thanks to players, coaches, staff, members and supporters. "While these decisions are never easy, I know it is the right one for my family and the football program as we move forward," he said. He added that he leaves knowing the club is committed to driving its AFLW program forward.

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly also released a statement thanking Wright for his contribution and care. "Sam has led our AFLW program with genuine care, and we will recognise his contribution following our final game of the season this weekend," Kelly said.

Sunday's round 12 match against Essendon at Windy Hill will be Wright's final game. Essendon also has a one-win season and is losing senior coach Natalie Wood. St Kilda, which is below both clubs on the ladder, recently parted ways with Nick Dal Santo and is also seeking a new senior coach.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

Collingwood's AFLW program faces major instability after a near-winless season, the departure of its head coach, and the potential loss of several senior players.
Three AFLW clubs will be searching for new senior coaches in the off-season, indicating a broader period of turnover in the league.
The player exodus could significantly weaken Collingwood's roster and require a major rebuild.

Background

Collingwood's AFLW team recorded only one win in the 2026 season, leaving it with the second-worst record heading into the final round. The club has now lost its senior coach and its captain, with several player contracts expiring at the end of the year. Other clubs in the league, including Essendon and St Kilda, are also experiencing coaching upheaval.

Key Perspectives

Sam Wright: said stepping down was the right decision for his family and the football program, and he leaves knowing Collingwood is committed to driving its AFLW program forward. Craig Kelly: thanked Wright for his contribution, saying he led the program with genuine care, and wished him and his family well. Collingwood senior players: voiced concerns about a lack of improvement and direction in the program.

What to Watch

Whether Collingwood retains its out-of-contract players in the off-season.
The appointment of a new AFLW senior coach at Collingwood.
How the team performs in Sunday's match against Essendon, which will also mark the end of the losing coach's tenure.

Sources

Collingwood coach Sam Wright departs as Pies’ disastrous AFLW season worsens · The Sydney Morning Herald
Collingwood coach Sam Wright departs as Pies’ disastrous AFLW season worsens · WAtoday
Collingwood crisis deepens with coach to leave struggling club · ABC News
Collingwood coach Sam Wright departs as Pies’ disastrous AFLW season worsens · Brisbane Times

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedCollingwood AFLW coach Sam Wright is stepping down after a season with one win heading into the final round.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Sam Wright has announced he will step down as Collingwood’s AFLW senior coach, after a disastrous season with only one win heading into the final round.”
SupportedRuby Schleicher will not re-sign with Collingwood and will return to Western Australia.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Last week, captain Ruby Schleicher announced she would not re-sign with Collingwood and would instead return home to Western Australia.”
SupportedCollingwood faces a potential exodus of out-of-contract players, including Tarni White, Sarah Rowe, Mattea Breed, Lauren Butler and Bri Davey.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “The Pies are now facing a potential exodus of players who are out of contract at the end of 2026, including Tarni White, Sarah Rowe, Mattea Breed, Lauren Butler and Bri Davey.”
SupportedWright is departing after three seasons with Collingwood.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Wright’s resignation after three seasons with Collingwood comes at a pivotal time for the club”
SupportedSeveral senior players have voiced concerns about a lack of improvement and direction in the program.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “with several senior players voicing concerns about a lack of improvement and direction.”
SupportedWright said it had been a privilege to work for the program and thanked players, coaches, staff, members and supporters.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “In a statement, Wright said it had been a privilege to work for Collingwood’s AFLW program and extended his thanks to players, coaches, staff, members and supporters.”
SupportedWright said, “While these decisions are never easy, I know it is the right one for my family and the football program as we move forward.”Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: ““While these decisions are never easy, I know it is the right one for my family and the football program as we move forward,” he said.”
SupportedWright said he leaves knowing Collingwood is committed to driving its AFLW program forward.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “I leave knowing Collingwood is committed to driving its AFLW program forward.”
SupportedCraig Kelly thanked Wright for his contribution and care and said, “Sam has led our AFLW program with genuine care, and we will recognise his contribution following our final game of the season this weekend.”Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly also released a statement thanking Wright for his contribution and care. “Sam has led our AFLW program with genuine care, and we will recognise his contribution following our final game of the season this weekend.”
SupportedThe Sunday round 12 match against Essendon at Windy Hill will be Wright’s final game as senior coach.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “This Sunday’s round 12 match against Essendon at Windy Hill will be Wright’s final game as senior coach.”
SupportedEssendon enters the match with one win and is also saying goodbye to senior coach Natalie Wood.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “the Bombers also enter the game with just one win to their name, and will also be saying goodbye to their senior coach – Natalie Wood .”
SupportedSt Kilda is below Collingwood and Essendon on the ladder, has parted ways with Nick Dal Santo and is seeking a new senior coach.Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Below both those clubs on the ladder entering round 12 are St Kilda, who have offloaded Nick Dal Santo and are also on the hunt for a new senior coach.”