St Kilda Football Club can confirm Nick Dal Santo has made the decision to step down as AFLW Senior Coach after six seasons at the helm.
Saturday’s match against Collingwood at RSEA Park 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 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.
“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.”
“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.”
As the club begins its search for its next AFLW Senior Coach, it will also undertake an independent review of the program.
Experienced football executive Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead the review via Apogee Sports.
Lloyd has previously led similar AFLW program reviews at Richmond and Carlton, bringing extensive experience across recruiting, list management and football operations, most recently as General Manager of Football at Carlton.
“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.”
Apogee Sports will work with the Saints’ AFLW program during the latter part of the season, reviewing every aspect of the program.
