Highly rated VAFA coach Jess Burger has emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant AFLW coach position at Collingwood after the Magpies parted ways with Steve Symonds on Wednesday.
The Kew coach, who is also Collingwood’s head of women’s football and an analyst for the AFL side, is understood to be heading the list of potential candidates and in line to become the first woman to coach the club.
Burger was appointed the Magpies’ AFLW list manager in 2018 before taking charge of the women’s football program ahead of 2022 season six.
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She also took the reins at Kew in 2022 to gain experience running her own side, leading the Bears to the minor premiership in the VAFA Premier Women’s division this season before they succumbed to powerhouse St Kevin’s in the grand final for the second consecutive year.
For the past three seasons, Burger has sat on the AFLW Competition Committee, which oversees the league’s progression, along with key AFL figures including Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane and Nicole Livingstone as well as Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard.
Collingwood announced on Wednesday it would not renew Symonds’ contract after the Magpies missed the finals for the first time in his five-season tenure.
Players have been told a thorough process will be undertaken to appoint Symonds’ successor, with a selection panel to be formed by next week.
After taking over from inaugural coach Wayne Siekman before the 2019 season, Symonds became the fourth senior coach to reach 50 AFLW games in round 9 this year but agreed to move on after the Magpies battled injury and form issues to finish 11th with a 5-5 record.
They regained captain Bri Davey from an ACL injury in time for round 1 but struggled without crucial defensive duo Ruby Schleicher (two games) and Lauren Butler (four), who both made delayed starts to the season with foot issues before respective knee and hamstring injuries sidelined them in the final rounds.
Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said the club had been “grateful” for Symonds’ contribution over the last five seasons.
“Steve’s coaching style, focusing on player development and team cohesion, has been instrumental in the team’s progression,” Wright said.
“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.”
Symonds thanked his players and staff for their support as he bowed out of the role.
“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.
