Sydney Swans part ways with AFLW coach Scott Gowans

Sydney started the season 4-0 but, after a shock final round loss to Essendon, failed to make the finals – and it’s forced coach Scott Gowans into a ‘difficult’ decision.

The Swans have parted ways with AFLW coach Scott Gowans following a disappointing end to the season, where they were unable to claim a finals spot.

Sydney started the year 4-0 on the back of a strong campaign from their young core, but disappointing losses to the likes of Collingwood, GWS and Essendon in the final round ensured they finished just outside of the top eight.

Sydney and Scott Gowans have parted ways. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Gowans said the decision to step away was “difficult.”

“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.

“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.

Gowans was determined to help build the Swans into an AFLW force for the future.

At times, he also had to juggle those responsibilities with his own health battles, overcoming a fight with prostate cancer in 2023 to return to the role.

The Swans started 4-0 but failed to make the finals. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It comes ahead of what looms as a bumper off-season for potential coach and player movement.

Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke will depart his post at season’s end after two premierships, with the club eyeing candidates with AFL experience.

Richmond coach Ryan Ferguson’s football department is under close scrutiny with a full-scale review underway, while Essendon coach Natalie Wood remains contracted for another season after a disappointing season at The Hangar.

Melbourne coach Mick Stinear is out of contract at the end of the season, with both Hawthorn and Gold Coast also on the hunt for new football bosses.

Premiership coach Paul Groves and former Carlton coach Daniel Harford are two potential candidates who could be canvassed by clubs given their AFLW experience.

Who will take over? Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Gowans was appointed as the inaugural coach of the Swans’ AFLW side when they came into the competition in 2022.

Following two years in charge at North Melbourne, and many years before that working in women’s football, he was identified as the man to build the Swans from the ground up.

After going winless in their first season, the Swans quickly turned things around and qualified for the finals in 2023. They ended up going on to win their first-ever finals appearance against the Suns before falling to Adelaide a week later.

Gowans also played a pivotal role in the recruitment of Chloe Molloy from Collingwood, with the pair’s relationship and mutual respect helping Sydney land one of the best players in the AFLW.

The Swans’ surprise loss to Essendon last Saturday appears to have been the catalyst for the decision, with the hosts only able to kick one goal in Coffs Harbour with their season on the line.

Originally published as Sydney Swans part ways with AFLW coach Scott Gowans