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The long sporting career of former basketballer Alison Downie will continue on after switching from Carlton to play as Collingwood's top ruck in the AFLW.

Collingwood have snared veteran Carlton tall and former champion basketballer Alison Downie to be the club's No.1 ruck for next year's AFLW season.

After playing every game for the Blues in the first five years of the competition, Downie crossed to the Magpies as a free agent.

The move will allow fellow recruit, Sabrina Frederick, to play mostly as a key forward after Sharni Norder's retirement.

Downie has enjoyed a distinguished sporting career, playing more than 300 games in the Women's National Basketball League for Dandenong before signing with the Blues ahead of the 2017 season.

"With a sporting career spanning 26 years, Alison brings an understanding of the dynamics required for elite team success," Collingwood's women's sport boss Jane Woodlands-Thompson said.

"We look forward to seeing Alison in the black and white this year."

Downie heads to the Magpies to fill the spot left by Jordan Membrey, who has been placed on the inactive list as she recovers from a knee reconstruction.

Collingwood have also announced the retirement of Abbey Green, who was traded from North Melbourne last year.

Her career has been cut short due to a degenerative knee condition.