After the Magpies parted ways with Steve Symonds on Wednesday, highly regarded VAFA coach Jess Burger emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant AFLW coach position at Collingwood.

The Kew coach, who is also Collingwood’s head of women’s football and an AFL analyst, is thought to be at the top of the list of potential candidates and in line to become the club’s first female coach.

Burger was named the Magpies’ AFLW list manager in 2018 before taking over as head of the women’s football programme ahead of season six in 2022.

She also took over at Kew in 2022 to gain experience running her own team, leading the Bears to the minor premiership in the VAFA Premier Women’s division this season before losing in the grand final to powerhouse St Kevin’s for the second year in a row.

Burger has served on the AFLW Competition Committee for the past three seasons, alongside key AFL figures such as Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane, and Nicole Livingstone, as well as Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard.

Collingwood announced on Wednesday that Symonds’ contract would not be renewed after the Magpies missed the finals for the first time in his five-year tenure.

The players have been told that a thorough process will be used to select Symonds’ replacement, with a selection panel to be formed by next week.

After taking over from inaugural coach Wayne Siekman prior to the 2019 season, Symonds became the fourth senior coach to reach 50 AFLW games in round 9 this year, but agreed to leave after the Magpies struggled with injury and form to finish 11th with a 5-5 record.

They regained captain Bri Davey from an ACL injury in time for round one, but struggled without crucial defensive duo Ruby Schleicher (two games) and Lauren Butler (four), who both had delayed starts to the season due to foot issues before being sidelined in the final rounds due to knee and hamstring injuries.

Collingwood football manager Graham Wright stated that the club was “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 in a statement.

“Steve’s dedication to the team and the sport has been unwavering, and we thank him and his South Australian family for their support of our club.”

“After careful consideration and discussion with Steve, we agreed not to renew his contract.” This decision is consistent with the club’s strategic direction and our dedication to developing elite women’s football programmes.”

As he stepped down, Symonds thanked his players and staff for their support.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during my time at Collingwood and feel it’s the right time for the programme and myself to move in a different direction,” Symonds said in a statement.