Sydney Swans utility Maddy Collier has announced her retirement from football.
A member of Sydney’s inaugural women’s team and the club’s first AFLW leadership group, the 30-year-old played 47 games across 10 seasons at three clubs, including 13 games for the Swans.
Hailing from the NSW South Coast, Collier first pulled on a Swans guernsey in a women’s exhibition game in 2016. She played six seasons with West Coast and the GWS Giants, before returning to the red and white in 2022.
Despite missing the 2023 season due to a knee injury, she was named Best Club Person that year for her off-field leadership.
Collier returned to play eight games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in August, just as she was preparing to return to play.
Collier said it has been a privilege to play in the red and white.
“I’ve supported this club since I was a kid so to pull on the Swans guernsey was a real ‘pinch me moment’, and it was an incredible honour to be named co-captain in the first year,” Collier said.
“When I look back, I’ve probably spent more time here in rehab than I have playing, but it has taught me so much about being a good club person and given me an appreciation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
“I’d like to thank Scott (Gowans) and Kate (Mahony) for bringing me here and the faith they put in me, as well as my mum for her unwavering support – I wouldn’t be here without her.
“Being on this journey with the girls has been by far my favourite part. Their company and camaraderie will be the thing I’ll miss the most, as it has been a pleasure to ride the highs and lows with them.”
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – AFLW Football, Amanda Turner, congratulated Collier on a wonderful career.
“As an inaugural co-captain, Maddy has made a huge impact on our program and has been an important member of our squad since our women’s team was established,” Turner said.
“Maddy epitomises what dedication and resilience look like. Despite being sidelined for the entire 2023 season and again this year, her professionalism and support of her teammates have been admirable.
“On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Maddy for her valuable contribution and wish her all the best for the future.”
