Dal Santo steps down as Saints coach after 0-8 season

St Kilda have parted ways with AFLW senior coach Nick Dal Santo after a disappointing eight consecutive losses.

The Saints confirmed on Friday that the former St Kilda and North Melbourne star would step down after Saturday’s game against Collingwood and the club would do an independent review of its AFLW program.

The club said it was Dal Santo’s decision, after six seasons in the job.

“Nick has made a significant contribution to our AFLW program across six seasons and will always be an important part of our football club,” St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena said in a statement.

“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.

“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.

Dal Santo said he’d weighed up whether to continue.

“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.”

Experienced football executive Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead the review via Apogee Sports.

“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.”

The Saints board met on Wednesday night, to discuss Dal Santo’s future and discuss implementing a review of the struggling women’s program – similar to reviews done by Carlton and Richmond.

The alarm bells sounded for Dal Santo over the weekend after St Kilda’s demoralising loss to the Bulldogs in Ballarat where they kicked just one point – the club’s lowest ever score and the equal-lowest in AFLW history. It was the lowest score kicked by any side since round 10, 2022.

The coach – whose contract finishes at the end of 2026 - was defensive in the post-game press conference, citing poor conditions, an extensive injury list and inexperience.

More to come.

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.

Hannah Kennelly is an award-winning sports reporter and Formula 1 writer at The Age.Connect via email.