Sam Wright to leave Collingwood after final AFLW round
Wright's three-season tenure will end against Essendon at Windy Hill, with Collingwood having won just one of its 11 games.
Collingwood AFLW coach Sam Wright will step down after the club's final-round game against Essendon at Windy Hill, bringing his three seasons in charge to an end.
His departure follows captain Ruby Schleicher's announcement that she will leave Collingwood and return home to Western Australia. Other players are also believed to be considering leaving, while vice-captain Jordyn Allen is expected to explore opportunities elsewhere despite being contracted.
Collingwood has won only one of its 11 games and sits at the foot of the ladder alongside Essendon and St Kilda. The Essendon match will also mark Natalie Wood's final appearance as the Bombers' coach. St Kilda is seeking a successor to Nick Dal Santo.
In a statement on 27 October, Wright said leaving was the right decision for his family and the football program. He thanked players, coaches, staff and supporters, and said he remained confident in Collingwood's commitment to its AFLW program.
Tarni White, Lauren Butler, Bri Davey, Sarah Rowe and Mattea Breed are out of contract. There are also reports of frustration among players and staff about medical treatment, development coaching and list management.
Collingwood last reached the finals in 2022, making the semifinals after finishing sixth in the regular season. Each subsequent season has ended with the club outside the top 10.
