‘I’m really proud’: Dal Santo’s fairytale farewell in emotional scenes as Pies star struck down
St Kilda AFLW coach Nick Dal Santo concluded his tenure with a narrow two-point victory over Collingwood, ending an 11-game losing streak. The match was marked by emotional scenes and a bittersweet atmosphere as the club prepares for an independent program review.
Why it matters
The departure of a high-profile coach and the subsequent organizational review reflect the high-pressure environment of professional women's sports leagues.
AFL ‘I’m really proud’: Dal Santo’s fairytale farewell in emotional scenes as Pies star struck down "Should've quit earlier!": Saints win | 03:32 Meg Saultry and Ronny Lerner from Newswire October 10th, 2026 7:31 pm St Kilda has sent AFLW coach Nick Dal Santo out on a high, snapping their 11-game losing streak dating back to November last year with a two-point thriller over fellow battlers Collingwood.
Dal Santo quit the Saints’ top job on Friday morning, as the heat rose after a horror 0-8 start to the season, with Saturday’s fixture at RSEA Park his 62nd and final game in charge.
The Saints led by 10 points at the final break, before their defence held on in the dying minutes - an Ash Centra goal for Collingwood with 30 seconds left made it close, 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37).
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