Collingwood AFLW senior coach Steve Symonds has today accepted a contract extension that will see him head up the program until the end of 2023.

Symonds joined the Pies in June 2019 following three years with Norwood Football Club and has led the club to consecutive finals campaigns.

Collingwood will meet North Melbourne at Victoria Park this Saturday in a Qualifying final after finishing third on the ladder at the end of the home and away season. The Pies narrowly lost to North in a Qualifying final in 2020.

Symonds was also instrumental in Collingwood’s premiership winning VFLW campaign in 2019.

Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson said Symonds’ influence on Collingwood’s women’s football programs over the past three seasons has been significant.

“Steve has played a crucial role in advancing the women’s football program and developing our players,” Anderson said.

“The program’s results speak for themselves. He came to us with a strong record and reputation for development – something like 48 players coached by Steve are in the AFLW system – and with Collingwood he has shown why.

“The two finals campaigns are one thing but his impact is has been greater than results themselves. Steve has established an environment with a strong work ethic where talent is nurtured.

“We are confident that the program will continue to develop under Steve’s leadership.”

Collingwood’s GM of Women’s Sport Jane Woodlands-Thompson echoed Anderson’s words.

“We are delighted to continue working with Steve as the architect behind our growth over the past two seasons,” Woodlands-Thompson said.

“Steve has brought a clear vision, passion and knowledge to the program and is held in such high regard by the playing group, staff and wider club.”

Collingwood play North Melbourne in the qualifying final this Saturday 3.10pm at Victoria Park.