IN THE absence of star midfielders Bri Davey and Brit Bonnici, will Collingwood turn to a two-time All-Australian defender in season seven?
The dynamic Ruby Schleicher has been spotted training with the Magpies midfield group as training ramps up ahead of their season-opener against Carlton on August 25.
Schleicher's powerful run off half-back has been a key part of Collingwood's success in recent years, able to break the lines and set up attacking forays.
Davey and Bonnici have been made inactive as they continue their rehabilitation from torn ACLs, with the pair having recently returned to running.
Bonnici suffered her injury in round eight, with the Pies shuffling puzzle pieces around for their remaining three games of the season, attempting to cover for the running machine.
Ebony O'Dea saw increased midfield time in that period, but has since returned to South Australia and will play with Port Adelaide's inaugural side.
AFLW FIXTURE Who does your team play in season seven?
Aishling Sheridan looks set to continue in the middle after her brief stint last season, while Steph Chiocci is likely to return to her winger role after being thrown into the middle.
The Pies will have a few fresh faces on the outside, with Jo Lin fit and firing after missing the season with a shoulder injury, and Lauren Brazzale joining from Carlton in a straight swap for Amelia Velardo.
Fellow recruit Olivia Barber should rack up more ruck minutes this season after crossing from the Cats, where she played primarily in a key forward role.
Forgotten forward Jordan Membrey will provide a strong target in attack, having recovered from an ACL injury in round five, 2021. The sharpshooter has kicked 11.0 in her 18 AFLW games.
Former All-Australian defender Ash Brazill is currently in the UK with the Diamonds netball squad ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which starts next week.
She missed the 2021 season due to her netball commitments, and the Pies will know more about her availability for the upcoming season at the conclusion of the Games.
