St Kilda claim two-point AFLW win in Dal Santo’s final match
The Saints ended an 11-match losing streak at RSEA Park, with Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw kicking two goals and Tyanna Smith collecting 12 clearances.
St Kilda defeated Collingwood by two points at RSEA Park as Nick Dal Santo completed his final game as the club’s AFLW coach. The Saints won 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37), ending a run of 11 defeats spanning almost a year.
Dal Santo had announced his departure before the match, with St Kilda sitting last on the ladder at 0-8. His side managed five behinds before halftime but kicked five goals across the second half.
Collingwood took a 12-point lead into halftime after Ruby Schleicher and Sabrina Frederick supplied the opening half’s only goals. Frederick was making her 100th AFLW appearance. Magpies captain Schleicher later sustained a right shoulder injury and left the ground.
St Kilda used the wind to kick four goals during the third quarter, taking a 10-point advantage into the final term. Ash Centra finished with 25 touches for Collingwood and narrowed the deficit to two points with a goal during the last 30 seconds.
Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw’s contribution included two goals, while Tyanna Smith amassed 25 touches and 12 clearances. Dal Santo praised the players’ determination and said he was grateful for his five years with the group. His coaching tenure ended with a 23-39 win-loss record.
