Sydney has made the shock call to sack AFLW coach Scott Gowans.
The call comes following a disappointing end to the season, where the Swans missed the eight unexpectedly.
Disappointing losses to the likes of GWS, Collingwood and Essendon ultimately saw Sydney finish ninth on percentage, after starting the season 4-0.
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Scott Gowans in 2025. Getty
All they had to do was beat the struggling Bombers at home in the final round to make the eight, but the Swans went goalless for three quarters in a fizzer of a loss given the stakes.
Gowans was contracted for the 2026 season, but the Swans have made the call to move on, likely because of the disappointing finish.
“Watching our athletes grow and develop has been truly rewarding – they have come such a long way over the past four seasons, and I believe the group is capable of achieving great things,” Gowans told the club’s website.
“Building our list from scratch and guiding the team to where it is today is something I am incredibly proud of. While the decision to step away has been a difficult one, the time feels right for new leadership to take the team forward.
“I would like to thank the Swans for the opportunity and wish the team all the success in the future.”
The decision is the first big call made by new Sydney chief Matthew Pavlich.
Matthew Pavlich speaks on Nine’s Today. Nine
The Fremantle great has taken the reins from Tom Harley, who left to become second in command at AFL headquarters.
“Scott can be incredibly proud of his distinguished career as the senior coach of our AFLW team. Building a team from scratch is no small feat and we have seen that team grow and improve over the journey so far,” Pavlich said.
“Beyond his role as a coach, Scott has been a passionate advocate for women’s sport. His tenure has been marked by vision, resilience, and a commitment to empowering his players.
“On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Scott for his enormous contribution to both our club and to women’s football. We wish Scott and Jodie all the very best for the future.”
Gowans was the inaugural coach of North Melbourne’s AFLW team, but his contract was not renewed in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, despite a 10-3 record.
After a brief stint at the Magpies in an assistant capacity, the Swans swooped and made him their inaugural coach.