‘Should’ve quit earlier’: Coach’s comical last words as Saints break losing streak
Nick Dal Santo has joked that he should’ve handed in his resignation earlier after his St Kilda team broke a dire 11-game losing streak in his final game in charge.
The Saints had not won a game since October last year when the arrived to face Collingwood on Saturday, but the team rallied together to claim a two-point win.
Dal Santo will part ways with the team on Saturday afternoon. Getty Images
Dal Santo could not hide his excitement as he watched his playing group hold on to a 10-point lead at three-quarter time, with Collingwood trying everything they could to spin the scoreboard back in their favour.
Ash Centra nailed a goal with 30 seconds left on the clock to put St Kilda’s defence to the test, but Collingwood were unable to find a chance before the final siren.
Dal Santo was overjoyed with the 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37) win as he farewelled the team, having resigned on Friday due to the mounting pressure for him to find results.
“I should’ve quit earlier,” he laughed, reflecting on his journey with the team when speaking to Fox Footy post-match.
“I should’ve done that every week.”
Dal Santo continued: “This is really nice. I understand this is my last game but that was a really good game by the girls. They fought really hard.
“I’m really proud of this group, it’s been a delight. I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with these girls. I’ve loved it.
“After five years, the time is right (for me to leave).”
Dal Santo led the Saints to their first finals appearance just shy of 12 months ago, but this season the club has conceded on average 62 points in each loss.
With 23 points per game on average in attack, it was no surprise that St Kilda were positioned at the bottom of the AFLW ladder this season.
The club is set to conduct an independent review into the football program now.
The Saints have three games left in their season. Getty Images
Dal Santo’s departure may have ended on a high note, but for Collingwood, the club will be sweating on scans on captain Ruby Scheliever’s shoulder injury.
Scheliever was forced to leave the field in the second term after falling heavy on it in a tackle with St Kilda’s Maya Louvel-Finn.
Collingwood, who are 1-8 this season, will host the Sydney Swans next Sunday while St Kilda will face Fremantle later that afternoon.
