St Kilda end the drought to send Dal Santo out a winner

The St Kilda women's AFLW team secured a crucial victory over Collingwood, ending a 11-match losing streak and providing a fitting farewell for coach Nick Dal Santo. The Saints, currently bottom of the table with a 0-8 record, bounced back with a 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37) win, securing a two-point victory. Dal Santo took charge of the team for the final time on Saturday, despite announcing his departure earlier in the week.

After scoring just one point in the previous game, the Saints kicked five second-half goals to claim the win. Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw kicked two goals, while Tyanna Smith contributed 25 touches and 12 clearances. Collingwood, who kicked the only two goals of the first half, fell to a 1-8 record. Ruby Schleicher, Collingwood's captain, suffered a right shoulder injury during the match.

Sabrina Frederick, who played her 100th AFLW game, scored a goal for the Pies in her 100th game. Despite trailing by two points at half-time, the Saints mounted a comeback in the third quarter, kicking three straight goals and four for the term. Ashley Centra, who gathered 25 touches, scored the final 30-second goal to cut the gap.

Dal Santo, reflecting on his tenure, expressed pride in the team and gratitude for his time with them.