The Collingwood Football Club and AFLW Senior Coach Steve Symonds have come to a mutual decision to part ways for the 2024 season.

Symonds was appointed as the Club’s second AFLW Senior Coach in June 2019, where he led the side across five seasons and oversaw the VFLW program.

Collingwood Executive General Manager of Football Graham Wright acknowledged the significant contribution of Symonds across his five-season tenure.

“Steve has been a significant part of our Club's journey in the AFLW, and we are grateful for his contribution over the past five seasons,” Wright said.

“In his first year as coach, Steve led Collingwood to its first AFLW finals campaign in 2020. In the three seasons that followed the side consistently played finals.

“Steve’s coaching style, focusing on player development and team cohesion, has been instrumental in the team's progression.

“Steve’s commitment to the team and the sport has been unwavering, and we thank him and his family, who live in South Australia, for their dedication to our Club.

“After careful consideration and discussions with Steve, we came to a mutual agreement not to renew his contract. This decision aligns with the Club's strategic direction and our commitment to developing our elite women’s football programs.”

With a career in senior coaching spanning 25 years, Symonds has extensive experience in high-performance and development environments.

Two weeks ago, in Round 9 against the Sydney Swans, Symonds celebrated 50 AFLW games as a coach.

Symonds expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Pies.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during my time at Collingwood and feel it’s the right time for the program and myself to move in a different direction,” Symonds said.

“I have been privileged to work with an incredible group of athletes and staff and I thank them for their support over the past five seasons.

“I wish the team all the best for the future and look forward to seeing the program continue to grow.”

The Club will form a selection panel to appoint Collingwood’s next AFLW Senior Coach in the coming week.