Collingwood Magpies, Aussie Rules Football

In April 2016, the club launched a bid to enter a team in the inaugural AFL Women's season in 2017. Meg Hutchins was appointed Women's Football Operations Manager some weeks prior, and given the responsibility of crafting the bid.[54] The club was granted a license in June 2016, becoming one of eight teams to compete in the league's first season.[55] In addition to her role off-field, Hutchins would become one of the club's first players, along with marquees Moana Hope and Emma King.[56] Collingwood selected a further 19 players in October's inaugural draft as well as three non-drafted players and two first time footballing rookies. [54] Dandenong Stingrays assistant and Victorian Metro Youth Girls head coach Wayne Siekman was appointed the team's inaugural head coach in July 2016. The team operates its training and administration base within the existing Collingwood home at Olympic Park.[54]