Sydney Swans’ AFLW coach Scott Gowans pays price for underwhelming season
The Sydney Swans have axed their coach after a horror end to their 2025 season, with his replacement set to be found “immediately”.
Sydney Swans’ AFLW coach Scott Gowans has paid the price for a poor end to the 2025 season.
The Swans’ AFLW season got off to a flyer, racking up four straight wins.
But they would soon go on to lose six of their next eight and managed just a lowly 11 points to the struggling Essendon in the final game of the season, blowing any chance to make a maiden finals campaign.
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As a result, Gowans, who still had two years remaining on his contract, left the club effective immediately.
In a statement on Thursday, the Swans said he “made the difficult decision” to part ways with the club and “seek other opportunities”, with the players informed on Thursday morning.
The players were reportedly told of the decision on Thursday morning.
Gowans was North Melbourne’s inaugural AFLW coach before joining the Swans in their inaugural season in 2022, where they finished last and were winless.
“Watching our athletes grow and develop has been truly rewarding – they have come such a long way over the past four seasons, and I believe the group is capable of achieving great things,” Gowans said in a statement on Thursday.
“Building our list from scratch and guiding the team to where it is today is something I am incredibly proud of.
“While the decision to step away has been a difficult one, the time feels right for new leadership to take the team forward.
“I would like to thank the Swans for the opportunity and wish the team all the best in the future.”
Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich said Gowans was instrumental in building the club from the ground up.
“Building a team from scratch is no small feat, and we have seen that team grow and improve over the journey so far,” Pavlich said.
“Beyond his role as a coach, Scott has been a passionate advocate for women’s sport. His tenure has been marked by vision, resilience, and a commitment to empowering his players.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Scott for his enormous contribution to both our club and to women’s football. We wish Scott and Jodie all the very best for the future.”
The Swans said the search for a new AFLW coach began “immediately”.
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