AS ONE door closed at Carlton for Alison Downie, another opened at Collingwood.

The 37-year-old was an inaugural Blue, playing every possible game for the club since 2017, but had been shifted to defence as Breann Moody took hold of the ruck.

The Blues opted not to renew Downie's contract for 2022, but Sharni Norder's retirement had the Pies on the hunt for an experienced ruck as they push for a flag.

01:59

'Not quite on my terms': Downie on THAT Blues exit

Collingwood recruit Alison Downie discusses her AFLW lifeline and the winger teammate who can change a game

"I finished up at Carlton not quite on my terms, but that's OK. I didn't think I was ready to give it up just yet. As soon as Sharni retired, Collingwood became a really good fit," Downie told womens.afl.

"Pre-season's been really fun, a nice change. It's a different pre-season to what I've done in the past few years. It's different running programs, different gym, different girls, so it's been a nice change.

"[Ruck] is my favourite role. I love that I've been able to play different roles and show that I can, that I can play forward and back, but ruck is my true love, so I'm looking forward to being back there."

Downie is a highly experienced elite athlete, recording 326 games for WNBL side Dandenong Rangers between 2000 and 2016.

Magpie Alison Downie in action at training on October 20, 2021. Picture: Getty Images

Coach Steve Symonds told womens.afl Downie's detail-oriented nature means she has set a tone for the younger players, honed from years of sport at the top level.

"My plan originally was to get through three years, so I've ticked that box. From here, it's going to be year-on-year, see how the body goes and the mind is, but so far so good," Downie said.

"They haven't really lost much in experience. Sharni's out, but I'm in.

2022 FIXTURE Every match, every round

"Sharni had great experience from netball and playing at such an elite level, I've come from a basketball background, probably not quite as elite as Sharni, but have been in some form of professional sport for quite a few years now.

"I'm not as loud as Sharni, but I just come in and go about my business. A lot of the girls have commented that when I do speak, they listen, because they know I have something to say."

Norder, a former Australian netball captain before making the switch to football, remains at Collingwood in an off-field capacity as "leadership and culture mentor".