Source : ABC NEWS
St Kilda’s disastrous AFLW season has led to coach Nick Dal Santo stepping down after six seasons in charge, ahead of an independent review of the football program.
With four rounds to go until the end of the regular season, the Saints sit at the bottom of the AFLW ladder with eight losses from as many games.
St Kilda’s percentage is a league-worst 37.2. The team is averaging 23 points per game in attack, while conceding an average of 62 points a game.
The situation reached a critical point after last weekend’s game, where the Saints lost by 30 points to the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.
Ashleigh Richards kicked a point at the 17-minute mark of the final term, for what proved the team’s only score of the game.
This meant the Saints avoided becoming the first team in AFLW history not to score in a full game.
In a club announcement on Friday, St Kilda confirmed Dal Santo’s decision.
Saturday’s (home) match against Collingwood will be Dal Santo’s final game as senior coach.
“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.
“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 finals appearance last season.”
Dal Santo was quoted in the statement saying he was proud of “where we’ve been able to take this program”, but that he had been giving thought to whether continuing was the right decision for him and the club.
“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.”
St Kilda confirmed that football administrator and executive Brad Lloyd from Apogee Sports would lead an independent review into the program.
Lloyd has previously led reviews at AFLW clubs Richmond and Carlton.
