ST KILDA AFLW coach Nick Dal Santo will coach his last game on Saturday after deciding to step away from the role following a winless season so far.

Players and staff were told of the decision on Friday morning, with club president Andrew Bassat sharing the news in a letter to members at midday.

Pressure had been building on Dal Santo throughout the season as his side failed to win a game from eight starts.

In his press conference following last week's game in which his side finished with a score of 0.1 (1), Dal Santo had pointed at numerous and varied reasons why his side was failing to perform.

Bassat also confirmed the club would undertake an independent review into its AFLW program helmed by former Blues footy boss Brad Lloyd, as well as conducting a search for a new coach. Lloyd previously coordinated reviews of both Richmond and Carlton's AFLW programs, and will be supported by independent high performance specialists throughout his review of the Saints.

"We acknowledge it has been a challenging season. Our ambition for this program is much greater than what we have produced in 2026 to date, however we are optimistic for the future," Bassat said.

"We want to consistently play finals, be considered a great club across both our AFLW and AFL programs and, ultimately, win premierships.

"The AFLW competition continues to move forward quickly, and we need to make sure we are doing the same.

"We are embracing this process as an opportunity to properly understand how we can set up our program for the future to be truly competitive.

"We are committed to giving our AFLW program every chance to succeed and to building something our members can be proud of."

Dal Santo is just the second AFLW coach in competition history to step down mid-season, following Michael Prior resigning after round eight of a 10-round season in 2023.

There are four rounds remaining in this AFLW season, with Dal Santo to coach his final game against Collingwood in round nine.

In a separate press release, Dal Santo said it had been a difficult decision to make.

"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."

Bassat thanked Dal Santo for his service over the past six seasons. 

"This has been a difficult decision for Nick, particularly given his long connection to St Kilda and the contribution he has made to our club over many years," he said.

"Nick has led our AFLW program with enormous care and commitment since taking on the role ahead of the 2022 season. He has invested deeply in our players and our people, and last season led the team to its first finals appearance. "

More to come