Collingwood’s 2020 AFLW campaign took further shape today with seven key players signing new deals.

Captain Steph Chiocci, 2019 Rising Star nominee Sarah Dargan, foundation players Britt Bonnici and Ruby Schleicher and forwards Erica Fowler, Sophie Alexander and Eliza Hynes all re-committed.

This collective show of faith ensures that the critical mass of talent Collingwood has been gathering in recent seasons is largely retained.

Chiocci will play her fourth season in the black and white next year. Her leadership and line-breaking run remain critical, especially at a time when the club has been investing heavily in the draft.

Dargan is one of those investments. The forward joined Collingwood in the 2017 NAB AFLW Draft and was nominated for the 2019 Rising Star award following round four’s clash against GWS Giants in which she gathered 16 disposals and laid six tackles.

Collingwood GM of Women’s Sport, Jane Woodlands-Thompson, says the early re-signings have already established a solid foundation for the club’s 2020 AFLW team.

“Strategically piecing together a squad and enabling the players to grow together is so important. So we are thrilled to have retained some of our best young and experienced players for the 2020 season,” Woodlands-Thompson said.

“We have deliberately invested in the draft in recent seasons so to keep our best young players is fundamental to that strategy. It’s pleasing to know that the likes of Sarah, Britt, Ruby and Eliza can see what the club is doing and want to share in it.

“Leadership and guidance is also critical for a young group which is why Steph remains an important player for us and retaining VLFW products Erica and Sophie is pleasing because it demonstrates the importance of our player development program.

“Overall, to be in this position so early in the trade period is really heartening.”

In other Collingwood trade news Darcy Guttridge and Iilish Ross will depart the club.

Both were with Collingwood for two seasons. Guttridge debuted in round five this year and went on to play three games. Ross tallied up 11 games during her time as a defender.

Collingwood GM of Women’s Sport Jane Woodlands-Thompson wished both girls well.

“We can appreciate Darcy’s and Iilish’s decision to seek further opportunities elsewhere and thank them for their contribution to our club,” Woodlands-Thompson said.

“We wish both girls all the best in their future endeavours on and off the field.”