Breaking:In a heartfelt and emotional statement earlier today, Collingwood football Head Coach Craig McRae spoke on the retirement of long-time defence for both the Collingwood Football Club and the Sydney Swans Andrew Schauble, who announced that he would be stepping away from the game after an illustrious career with the team, Collingwood football Fans in tears….see more

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — June 1, 2025 — In a moment that brought tears to fans across the AFL community, Collingwood Football Club head coach Craig McRae delivered a heartfelt tribute to veteran defender Andrew Schauble who officially announced his retirement from all levels of Australian Rules Football earlier today.

Schauble, 47, a respected figure in AFL history, played with distinction for both Collingwood and the Sydney Swans across a decade-long career. Known for his composed presence on the field, his tactical intelligence, and his unwavering leadership, Schauble’s announcement marks the end of a chapter that helped shape two of the league’s proudest clubs.

Andrew Schauble is the kind of footballer you don’t replace,” said Coach McRae during a press conference at Collingwood’s training facility. “He wasn’t just a great defender — he was a great human being. He gave this club his mind, body, and soul.

Andrew Schauble made his AFL debut for Collingwood in 1994 and played over 70 games for the black and white before transferring to the Sydney Swans in 2000. While at Sydney, he became an integral part of the Swans’ defense, playing over 100 games and helping the team reach consistent finals appearances.

Though injury curtailed his 2005 campaign — keeping him out of Sydney’s premiership win — Schauble’s contributions in the years prior laid the foundation for the club’s success. His retirement from the AFL came in 2006, but he continued to play and coach at local levels, eventually returning to the Collingwood organization as a defensive mentor.

While Schauble’s playing days may be behind him, his influence has only grown off the field. Over the past few seasons, he’s been instrumental in developing young Collingwood defenders, shaping a culture built on accountability, respect, and resilience.

Andrew has a calm, thoughtful way of approaching the game,” said McRae. Our younger players have grown under his guidance, and that’s something you can’t measure in stats.

Fans remember Schauble as a steady presence on the field and a humble, grounded leader off it. Social media erupted with tributes shortly after his retirement was announced, with fans sharing photos, memories, and messages of thanks.

The announcement also sparked a wave of admiration from across the AFL community. Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley called Schauble “one of the quiet leaders of our early 2000s era, while AFL great Nathan Buckley, a former teammate at Collingwood, tweeted, “Schaubs was the definition of reliable. A true team-first player who always showed up.

Several past and current players expressed appreciation for Schauble’s commitment to team culture, work ethic, and defensive toughness.

To celebrate his contributions, Collingwood announced plans for a special farewell ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground later this season. The event will include a lap of honor, video tributes from past teammates, and a presentation by the club to commemorate Schauble’s impact on and off the field.

Schauble, speaking briefly after McRae’s statement, thanked his family, teammates, and the fans.

I played this game because I loved it, Schauble said. “Not for recognition, but for the mateship and for the club. I’m honored to have worn the jumpers of two proud teams and to have been part of this incredible game.

As he steps into retirement, Schauble leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and unwavering loyalty — a footballer who never chased headlines, but whose presence helped build premiership-contending teams. For Collingwood and the broader AFL world, his absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will remain etched in the hearts of fans and teammates for generations to come.