High-profile great Nick Dal Santo will depart as St Kilda’s AFLW coach after one last game this weekend, as the club commits to a wholesale independent review.
The Saints are winless this season in a significant backwards step from last year’s 7-5 record and first finals appearance.
Dal Santo, 42, has led the team since 2022 while continuing to work as an AFL commentator, and he heads into his last game with 22 wins and 39 losses to his name.
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Speculation swirled around his future following last week’s loss to the Bulldogs in which St Kilda kicked just one behind.
The Saints also kicked just 1.1 and 2.3 in heavy losses to powerhouses North Melbourne and Geelong respectively, with an average losing margin of 39 points in their eight defeats this season.
Dal Santo survived the sack but the club announced on Friday that he had made the decision to step away.
“I’ve been giving a lot of thought to my future and whether continuing in this role was the right decision, both for myself and the program,” Dal Santo said.
“Where we’ve been able to take this program is something I’ll always be incredibly proud of.
“It’s been a privilege to coach this group and help shape its formative years in the competition.
“I have a strong love for this club, I wanted to contribute to women’s football, and with a daughter of my own, it’s great to see a pathway for young females with football ambitions.
“I’m looking forward to finishing my time as coach alongside the group this weekend and wish them every success for what comes next.”
Saints CEO Carl Dilena praised Dal Santo’s “significant contribution”.
“His care, commitment and leadership have been unwavering, and we thank him for everything he has given to the program, including leading the team to its maiden final’s appearance last season,” he said.
“We look forward to recognising Nick’s contribution this weekend as he leads the team one final time in front of our members and supporters at RSEA Park.
“We know these roles can be demanding, and we thank not only Nick, but also his wife Jules and children Jude, Aston and Pia for their support. They will always be a part of this football club.”
Former Carlton AFL football boss Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead an independent review of “every aspect” of the Saints’ AFLW program.
Lloyd, who has already completed similar reviews at Richmond and Carlton, and his company will “work with” the group for the rest of the season.
“Our ambition is to be a consistently competitive and respected club that can contend with the best in the competition,” Dilena said.
“We want to give our AFLW program every chance to achieve this and that means identifying where we need to improve, investing in the right areas and acting with urgency.”
