STEPH Chiocci never imagined she’d feel at home at Collingwood.

Not that long ago she couldn’t stomach even the thought of the black and white.

“We used to catch the train and every time we went past Vic Park hold our breath, because god forbid you’d breath in the air of Collingwood,” Chiocci, who grew up in Eltham, told the Herald Sun.

It was dark navy blue pulsating through Chiocci’s veins, her father Rob the most rabid of the Carlton-loving Chiocci clan.

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Now the four-time All-Australian is not just wearing black and white, she will captain the club after being chosen by her peers as the first Magpies women’s leader.

“We were pretty fanatical,” Chiocci said of the Blues.

“Dad even wore a Carlton polo to the draft under his jumper, just in case.

“They’re coming around to it, slowly. Dad says he supports the Collingwood women’s and the Carlton men’s, which is fine.

“He’s probably my No.1 supporter. He’s buzzing.”

media_camera Collingwood's women's captain Steph Chiocci outside Victoria Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Chiocci captained the Western Bulldogs during last year’s exhibition matches and had worn the Bulldogs colours since 2013, so when she was overlooked as the club’s priority signing, she started to question where she fitted in female football’s new landscape.

It took until pick No.11 in October’s draft for her to find her place.

And at Olympic Park the 28-year-old Parkdale Secondary College teacher has found her belief again.

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She will lead the Magpies with forward/midfielder Alicia Eva her vice-captain and rucks Emma King and Lou Wotton also part of the leadership group.

“Being elected as the captain is really meaningful because it comes from the players, that gives you a sense of confidence,” Chiocci said.

“I was very humbled. It’s a huge honour. They say it’s the biggest club in the land. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”

media_camera Steph Chiocci was overlooked by the Bulldogs as a priority signing. Picture: Getty Images

It seemed obvious Chiocci — a speedy defender who can also run through the midfield and even play forward — would be a Bulldog.

Clubs were able to sign two marquee players and then a priority signing who had a connection with the club prior to the state-based drafts.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed at the time,” said Chiocci, who captained Diamond Creek in the VFL Women’s competition last season.

“I think a bit of self-doubt crept in.

“Now that I’m at Collingwood I think it’s the fresh start that I needed. Everything happens for a reason. I really do feel part of this family now.”

Collingwood plays Western Bulldogs in a pre-season match at 6.30pm Thursday at Olympic Park.

The AFLW season starts on February 3 when Carlton take on Collingwood at Ikon Park.