St Kilda's AFLW head coach and former 300-game AFL star Nick Dal Santo has penned a two-year contract extension to remain head coach of the Saints until the end of the 2026 AFLW season.


The 40-year-old is the second coach of the club, holding the reigns since St Kilda Peta Searle departed following the 2021 season. The three-time All-Australian previously coached at St Kilda's Next Generation Academy program.

2024 was one of Dal Santo's better years in charge, with the Saints eighth after eight games, holding a 4-4 record. However, three straight losses at the end of the year ended the hope of a maiden finals berth, heartbreakingly so after missing out on finals in 2023 by percentage.

Dal Santo's opinion is well-respected in the AFLW due to his leadership roles and success as a player, with his connection with the playing group a major contributor in earning the board's trust for an extension, despite on-field results not yet falling in his favour.

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"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," executive general manager of St Kilda's AFLW program Tessie McManus said.

"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."

St Kilda will aim to continue finalising their coaching lineup ahead of the 2025 season, whilst boosting their list in the current AFLW trade period. Teenage Hawthorn midfielder and top-ten pick Charlotte Baskaran is expected to join the club soon following her trade request to Moorabbin.