St Kilda have backed Nick Dal Santo as the man to take them to a maiden AFLW finals appearance, locking in the club great as coach for the next two years.
Dal Santo, 40, has a 15-26 record in charge after four seasons at the helm and guided the Saints to three straight victories in a promising start to the 2024 campaign.
But they won only one of their last eight matches and finished 11th, well out of top-eight contention.
It came after the Saints narrowly missed out on a finals appearance in 2023 because of an inferior percentage to three clubs inside the top-eight.
A finals appearance remains the key priority, according to St Kilda's AFLW boss Tessie McManus, who believes Dal Santo is up to the task.
"Nick has been pivotal in growing our program into the elite environment it is today," McManus said in a club statement.
"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.
"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."
Dal Santo played 260 games across 12 seasons with St Kilda before finishing his decorated playing career with another 62 games over three years at North Melbourne.
The three-time All-Australian previously coached St Kilda's Next Generation Academy and father-son program.
Dal Santo's support staff for the 2025 AFLW season is expected to be finalised next year.
