The Sydney Swans AFLW Squad was established in 2022 under the leadership of experienced head coach Scott Gowans who went on to spend four seasons at the helm, leading the team to play AFLW finals in the club’s second season in the competition and establishing solid foundations for future success.

Gowans called time on his role at the club at the conclusion of the 2025 season with Colin O'Riordan appointed AFLW Senior Coach for the 2026 season and beyond. 

30-year-old O’Riordan, who was originally recruited to the Sydney Swans from Ireland, played 34 AFL games for the club between 2016-2022. O'Riordan makes history as the first Irish senior coach in the AFL/AFLW.

Since retiring from AFL due to chronic hip injuries, O’Riordan has remained at the club in several coaching roles, including Head Coach of the QBE Sydney Swans U/18 Male Academy and AFLW Assistant Coach.

The AFLW coaching also includes inaugural Sydney AFLW co-captain Brooke Lochland, former Melbourne and Western Bulldogs player Lachie Hunter and Tanya Hetherington.

Lochland takes on the role of forward-line coach, her appointment part of the AFL’s Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, which supports the progression of women into senior coaching roles across men’s and women’s competitions.

A 2018 premiership player with the Western Bulldogs, Lochland was co-captain of the Swans’ inaugural AFLW side in 2022. The All-Australian forward retired at the end of the 2024 season after 64 AFLW games.

Hunter, who played 199 AFL games – including in the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership – coaches the backline. He joined the Swans with a wealth of elite-level experience and a strong reputation for leadership.

Tanya Hetherington continues in the midfield coaching position, after spending two previous seasons as forward-line coach.

Hetherington previously played 46 games for the GWS Giants and spent time with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy as an assistant coach for the female program.