AFLW 2023: Collingwood parts ways with coach Steve Symonds

Collingwood has wasted no time making a big move after a disappointing AFLW season where it missed the finals.

Collingwood has parted ways with coach Steve Symonds after four seasons after the Magpies missed the finals in 2023. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Collingwood has parted ways with AFLW coach Steve Symonds after five seasons following the Magpies’ failure to qualify for the 2023 finals.

Symonds, who took over from inaugural coach Wayne Siekman in 2019, will depart after a frustrating campaign where the Magpies were restricted to only five wins in 10 games as injuries and form issues plagued several stars.

It was the first time they had missed the finals during Symonds’ tenure following four consecutive appearances.

Magpies football boss Graham Wright said the club had agreed with Symonds not to renew his contract in order to pursue “the strategic direction” of Collingwood’s women’s program.

“Steve has been a significant part of our club’s journey in the AFLW, and we are grateful for his contribution over the past five seasons,” Wright said.

Departing Collingwood coach Steve Symonds with Collingwood captain Bri Davey (centre) and star defender Ruby Schleicher. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“In his first year as coach, Steve led Collingwood to its first AFLW finals campaign in 2020. In the three seasons that followed the side consistently played finals.

“Steve’s coaching style, focusing on player development and team cohesion, has been instrumental in the team’s progression.”

“Steve’s commitment to the team and the sport has been unwavering, and we thank him and his family, who live in South Australia, for their dedication to our club.”

Symonds, who became the fourth AFLW coach to reach the 50 game milestone in round 9, said he was “incredibly proud” of his time at Collingwood.

“I feel it’s the right time for the program and myself to move in a different direction,” Symonds said.

“I have been privileged to work with an incredible group of athletes and staff and I thank them for their support over the past five seasons.

“I wish the team all the best for the future and look forward to seeing the program continue to grow.”