Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher is looking forward to seeing a familiar face on Saturday.
The Magpies face Sydney Swans at Victoria Park and Schleicher gets to face off against rookie Zippy Fish – a former comrade at her old footy club.
Rookie Zippy Fish brushes off a tackle by Hayley Miller.Credit: Getty Images
“ Zippy, she’s doing an incredible job,” Schleicher said. “She’s from my club back home, she was drafted out of East Fremantle, so I’ve known Zippy for a few years. I’ve loved seeing her go well.”
Known aerial ability, athleticism and explosive pace, Fish played a starring role in Sydney’s 25-point win over Fremantle last week, kicking her career-first goal
Drafted in 2016, Schleicher has loved seeing the new talent emerge from the AFLW’s first national draft class, highlighting Fish and the slew of new rookies at Collingwood.
I’ve got a really close relationship with all of them [rookies], I think, particularly with Ash [Centra] being in the midfield,” she said.
“This year, we’ve been able to grow a really close bond and try almost be like bit of a big sister to her [Centra] and just try and make the transition a bit more seamless for her, particularly given all the you know, all the noise around her coming in.”
As Collingwood coach Sam Wright joked earlier, Centra has developed a bit of a cult following. The number one draft pick has been on managed minutes, but has still impressed on debut with a goal in her inaugural game and a viral bounce between her legs during a warm-up.
“Like the big job for me this year is just to make sure that the kids enjoy their first year, make sure that they take the pressure off themselves,” Schleicher said.
“I think, first year draft picks are coming in with a lot more pressure than we did when I was a first year, because people now know their names and probably have an expectation of them.
“So within the four walls and as a leader, it’s probably just my job to try and release that pressure and let them know that we don’t need them to go out have 30 disposals and change the game.
“We just want to see them grow as players and enjoy their football.”
Schleicher said the team were ready to face Sydney, citing them as one of the top team’s in the competition.
Aided by star goal-kicker Chloe Molloy, the Swans remain undefeated so far this season.
“There’s a respect there, But we also really want to compete hard,” Schleicher said. “And, you know, see how we match up against the best teams, and this season, they’re one of them.”