St Kilda breaks losing streak to give Dal Santo winning farewell

St Kilda has ended its lengthy AFLW losing run with a thrilling two-point home win over Collingwood, giving departing coach Nick Dal Santo the perfect send-off.

The Saints, who had been struggling with a 0-8 record, rallied in the second half to secure a 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37) victory at Moorabbin Oval.

A drought-breaking win

After a slow start, which saw them score just one point last week and tally five behinds in the first half on Saturday, the Saints kicked five second-half goals to secure the win.

Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw kicked two goals and Tyanna Smith bagged 25 touches and 12 clearances for the Saints, who ended an 11-match losing streak stretching back almost a full year.

Collingwood's strong start

Collingwood kicked the only two goals of the first half, the first to captain Ruby Schleicher, who later came off the ground with an injury to her right shoulder.

The other major went to Sabrina Frederick in her 100th AFLW game, as Collingwood stretched a two-point lead after a goalless first quarter to 12 at half-time.

Dal Santo's emotional farewell

Dal Santo, who announced on Friday he was standing down as coach, was overcome with emotion as he reflected on his time with the team.