{
  "id": 16515410,
  "title": "Essendon sack coach after one-win AFLW season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/essendon-sack-coach-after-one-win-aflw-season",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T19:54:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-26/essendon-aflw-coach-sacked/107307646"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AFLW champions Essendon have parted ways with coach Natalie Wood after a season in which the Bombers recorded only one victory. The Hawks defeated the Bombers by five points, securing their position eighth on the ladder with one game remaining in the season. The Carlton side outplayed GWS 5.8 (38) to 3.5 (23) to keep their top four hopes alive. Wood, who joined Essendon in March 2022, will continue coaching the team for the remainder of the season, aiming to secure another win against Collingwood next Sunday. Essendon CEO Tim Roberts expressed that the decision to let Wood go was difficult, but felt it necessary after a challenging season. He praised Wood's commitment to the role and her contribution to the club's growth. Despite her success in leading the team to finals appearances in 2023 and 2024, Essendon opted to end Wood's five-season tenure following their one-win season.",
  "summary": "Natalie Wood has paid the price for taking Essendon to a meagre one win, getting the sack with a round to go in the AFLW season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Essendon fired coach Natalie Wood after 1-win AFLW season",
    "Hawks beat Bombers 5.8 (38) to 3.5 (23) in final game",
    "Wood to coach remainder of season for one more match"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}