Collingwood have announced the club has parted ways with AFLW senior coach Steve Symonds following the 2023 season.
A mutual decision between both parties was met this week to see Symonds' five-season tenure at Olympic Park come to an end.
Symonds led the Magpies in 51 games and would record 31 wins and 20 defeats over four years, managing a finals finish twice in 2021 as well as the 2022 season.
โI am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during my time at Collingwood and feel it's the right time for the program and myself to move in a different direction,โ Symonds said in a club statement.
โI have been privileged to work with an incredible group of athletes and staff and I thank them for their support over the past five seasons.
โI wish the team all the best for the future and look forward to seeing the program continue to grow.โ
The Magpies will now look to find their third senior coaching following Symonds and inaugural mentor Wayne Siekman.
Collingwood football boss Graham Wright thanked Symonds for his service to the club, noting the club took "careful consideration" before coming to the decision.
โSteve has been a significant part of our Club's journey in the AFLW, and we are grateful for his contribution over the past five seasons,โ Wright said.
โIn his first year as coach, Steve led Collingwood to its first AFLW finals campaign in 2020. In the three seasons that followed the side consistently played finals.
โSteve's coaching style, focusing on player development and team cohesion, has been instrumental in the team's progression.
โSteve's commitment to the team and the sport has been unwavering, and we thank him and his family, who live in South Australia, for their dedication to our Club.
โAfter careful consideration and discussions with Steve, we came to a mutual agreement not to renew his contract. This decision aligns with the Club's strategic direction and our commitment to developing our elite women's football programs.โ
Collingwood recorded five wins and as many losses under Symonds this year to finish 11th on the ladder.
