Nick Dal Santo will step down as St Kilda's AFLW Senior Coach after six seasons, with Saturday's match against Collingwood at RSEA Park set to be his last game in charge, the club announced.
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena said Dal Santo had made a significant contribution to the program and would always remain part of the football club.
"His care, commitment and leadership have been unwavering, and we thank him for everything he has given to the program, including leading the team to its maiden final's appearance last season," Dilena said.
Dal Santo said he had weighed up his future carefully before deciding to step away.
"I've been giving a lot of thought to my future and whether continuing in this role was the right decision, both for myself and the program," he said.
Dal Santo said he was proud of what the program had achieved during his time in charge.
"Where we've been able to take this program is something I'll always be incredibly proud of," he said. "It's been a privilege to coach this group and help shape its formative years in the competition."
Dal Santo, who has a daughter of his own, said he had wanted to contribute to the growth of women's football.
"I have a strong love for this club, I wanted to contribute to women's football, and with a daughter of my own, it's great to see a pathway for young females with football ambitions," he said.
He said he was looking forward to finishing his time as coach alongside the playing group this weekend.
"I'm looking forward to finishing my time as coach alongside the group this weekend and wish them every success for what comes next," Dal Santo said.
Dilena thanked Dal Santo's family for their support throughout his time in the role.
"We know these roles can be demanding, and we thank not only Nick, but also his wife Jules and children Jude, Aston and Pia for their support," he said. "They will always be a part of this football club."
Review and search for new coach
St Kilda will now begin a search for its next AFLW Senior Coach and has commissioned an independent review of the entire program.
Experienced football executive Brad Lloyd has been appointed to lead the review through Apogee Sports. Lloyd previously led similar AFLW program reviews at Richmond and Carlton, and was most recently general manager of football at Carlton.
Apogee Sports will work with the Saints' AFLW program for the remainder of the season, examining every aspect of its operations, the club said.
Dilena said the review reflected the club's ambition for the program going forward.
"Our ambition is to be a consistently competitive and respected club that can contend with the best in the competition," he said. "We want to give our AFLW program every chance to achieve this and that means identifying where we need to improve, investing in the right areas and acting with urgency."
Dal Santo will lead St Kilda out for the final time as senior coach against Collingwood at RSEA Park on Saturday.