Nick Dal Santo signs on for two more years as St Kilda AFLW coach
St Kilda says its AFLW program is heading in the right direction under a club great – urging fans to stay the course.
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He’s yet to take St Kilda to the finals in his four seasons at the helm, but the Saints say Nick Dal Santo remains the “best fit” to continue as coach of their AFLW side.
The club great signed a two-year deal through to the end of 2026 after the Saints finished 11th with a 4-7 record this season.
It came after an impressive finish to the 2023 campaign almost brought them to a maiden finals appearance before they missed out narrowly on percentage to Sydney with a 6-4 record.
Despite the backwards step on the ladder, St Kilda women’s football boss Tessie McManus said it was clear Dal Santo was the right man for the job.
Dal Santo, 40, played 322 games for St Kilda and North Melbourne and was a development coach in the men’s program at the Saints before replacing inaugural AFLW coach Peta Searle ahead of the first 2022 season.
He has split his time between the senior coaching role and his commentary duties for Fox Footy during the AFL season.
“Nick has been pivotal in growing our program into the elite environment it is today,” McManus said.
“The team loves being coached by him and the connection he has with not only our players but our staff right across the business exemplifies his character and demonstrates his passion for the club.
“The unity of the squad and the development of many of our players, especially the younger core, is a testament to his coaching ability and the culture he has built at the club.
“While this season didn’t deliver the on-field results we were hoping for, we firmly believe Nick is the best fit for this role and we are excited to see where he leads the team next season.”
Originally published as Nick Dal Santo signs on for two more years as St Kilda AFLW coach
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