Essendon sack AFLW coach Natalie Wood after one-win season

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 25 Oct, 09:32 · Archive

Essendon have sacked AFLW coach Natalie Wood after the Bombers won just one match this season.

Essendon have sacked AFLW coach Natalie Wood, ending her five-year tenure with the club. Wood was told of the decision earlier this week, but the announcement was delayed until after Sunday's five-point loss to Hawthorn. The Bombers have won just one match this season and sit near the bottom of the ladder.

Wood was Essendon's inaugural AFLW coach when they entered the competition in 2022. She led the club to finals in 2023 and 2024, but the team has won just two matches from their past 20 dating back to last year.

Essendon CEO Tim Roberts described the decision as 'difficult'. 'When we entered the competition in 2022, Natalie set the standards and culture of our team, and our back-to-back finals in 2023 and 2024 reflected that work,' Roberts said. 'We have fallen short of what we wanted on field. We believe a change is the right step.' Wood will coach the team's final match against fellow cellar dwellers Collingwood before officially stepping down.

Essendon sack AFLW coach Natalie Wood after one-win season — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Essendon coach sacked after season bombsNatalie 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.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 09:14
Essendon coach sacked after season bombsNatalie 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.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 09:14
Essendon announce sacking of AFLW coach Natalie Wood moments after latest lossThe ‘difficult’ decision was made as the Bombers remain near the bottom with just one win for the season.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 07:51

In this story: Natalie Wood · Essendon · Hawthorn · Collingwood · Perth

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