AFTER sitting out season six of the NAB AFLW competition due to netball commitments, Collingwood defender Ash Brazill will return to football this year.

Brazill has recently returned from Birmingham, where she was a member of Australia's gold medal-winning Diamonds team.

The Pies are yet to set a date for the 32-year-old's return to football, but expect her to be available at some point this season.

AFLW FIXTURE Who does your team play in season seven?

Gold Coast players Maddi and Teagan Levi – who also took part in the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the rugby sevens – will remain inactive this season.

"On behalf of Collingwood, we congratulate Ash on her gold medal win and we congratulate the Diamonds on their success at the Commonwealth Games," Collingwood head of women's footy Jess Burger said.

Ashleigh Brazill in action in Collingwood's Second Preliminary Final clash with Brisbane at The Gabba on April 10, 2021. Picture: Getty Images



"Ash is a much-loved member of both the football and netball programs at Collingwood, and we are proud to see her returning to footy in season seven of AFLW.

"She is a strong leader with an elite work ethic who has experienced a sporting career balancing two sports – both of which she is extremely talented at and passionate about. It is quite unique and something we remain supportive of Ash pursuing.

"Ash has recently returned to training with the AFLW team, and while we are yet to set an exact return date to playing a match, we hope that is not too far away."