Collingwood has signed Commonwealth Games gold medalist and former Hockeyroo Georgina Parker, for the 2018 AFLW season.
The 28-year-old retired from hockey following the 2016 Rio Olympics and said she is thrilled to be returning to footy, which she played growing up.
“I believe in the vision of the Collingwood coaching staff and think there are a lot of opportunities when playing for a Melbourne-based club so it seems like a great fit,” Parker told the club's website.
“Growing up I was the only girl at footy clinics so I’m over the moon to have an opportunity to play the sport I have always been so passionate about.
“Coming from a field sport with a lot of space like footy, I think my awareness of space and ability to break lines will be a key factor in my game."
Magpies coach Wayne Siekman said Parker's big game experience from hockey will be invaluable for the side.
“Her attributes as an explosive player for the Australian hockey team adds great value to our team given that we identified speed and explosiveness and two key recruiting areas after season one," Siekman said.
“Field hockey is a sport that is very similar to football in terms of reading the play and positioning, so she’s coming to us with a level of game awareness already.”
