Nick Dal Santo to leave St Kilda after Collingwood match

St Kilda AFLW senior coach Nick Dal Santo will leave after Saturday's game against Collingwood. The club has announced an independent review of its women's program following eight consecutive defeats.

St Kilda said on Friday that Dal Santo made the decision after six seasons in charge. His final game will be at RSEA Park in front of the club's supporters. He previously played for St Kilda and North Melbourne.

Chief executive Carl Dilena thanked Dal Santo for his contribution, including leading the team to its first finals appearance last season. The coach said he had considered his future and whether continuing was right for himself and the program.

Experienced football executive Brad Lloyd will lead the independent review through Apogee Sports. The club wants to identify improvements, investment priorities and steps needed to compete consistently with the AFLW's strongest sides.

St Kilda's board discussed the coach's future and the review on Wednesday evening. Concern intensified after the loss to the Bulldogs in Ballarat, where the team scored just one point. That was its lowest-ever score and equalled the lowest in AFLW history.

After the game, Dal Santo cited difficult conditions, extensive injuries and inexperience. His contract ran until the end of 2026. The announced departure will end his six-season tenure before that point.