COLLINGWOOD's AFLW captain Ruby Schleicher will leave the club at the end of the season and is expected to take up an offer to join West Coast.

AFL.com.au understands Schleicher has informed staff and teammates of her intention to depart the Pies when their campaign ends next month, with the Eagles near certain to land the dual All-Australian on a four-year contract.

Her decision is another setback for Collingwood's embattled AFLW program amid its disastrous 1-9 start to the season.

Schleicher had put off contract talks throughout the campaign, having initially been offered only a one-year deal to stay at the Magpies, with the Eagles subsequently registering a strong interest in the West Australian.

The 28-year-old, who is renowned as one of the competition's most influential players, has spent her entire 82-game career at Collingwood and has served as the club's captain across the last two years.

Schleicher's departure adds to the side's struggles in a one-win campaign, with AFL.com.au revealing back in August that senior players had already raised concerns about the direction of the club's AFLW program.

A month later, AFL.com.au revealed that senior coach Sam Wright had quietly signed a one-year contract extension – taking him through until the end of 2027 – without the Magpies making the news public.

Several important senior leaders remain uncontracted for next year including Tarni White, Lauren Butler, Sarah Rowe, Mattea Breed, Bri Davey, Sabrina Frederick, Violet Patterson and Imogen Barnett.

Vice-captain Jordy Allen remains contracted for 2027, but explored her options last December and tried to join Brisbane via a trade until her attempts were blocked across deadline day.

Schleicher was surprisingly moved forward this season, having previously excelled both in the midfield and behind the ball, and had kicked 10 goals from eight games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury earlier this month.