Essendon parts ways with coach Natalie Wood after tough season

Essendon has announced the dismissal of head coach Natalie Wood after a disappointing season in the AFLW, where the team won only one match. The Bombers will not seek an external review of their program but will broaden their internal review process amid changes in their coaching staff. Significant concerns have arisen regarding game performance, particularly with the team's scoring efficiency and defensive vulnerabilities. Currently, Essendon sits among the lowest scoring teams in the league, having averaged 31.6 points this year and faced multiple injuries disrupting player availability. The Bombers will seek to better align their coaching efforts under the leadership of new acting head of AFLW Taylah Harding, who is covering for maternity leave.

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