The Sydney Swans are thrilled to announce Colin O’Riordan has been 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.

Sydney Swans Executive General Manager of AFLW Football – Kate Mahony, said O’Riordan was the perfect choice to lead the team going forward.

“After an extensive and thorough recruitment process we feel that Colin has all the attributes to be a successful AFLW Senior Coach, and was the standout choice,” Mahony said.

“Over the past couple of years, he has shown exemplary leadership in his various coaching roles at the club, with his integrity a hallmark of his character. Colin is a well-respected member of the club, and I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the program.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Colin and his fiancée Louise into the Swans AFLW family.”

O’Riordan said he’s excited by the opportunity of taking on the job of AFLW Senior Coach.

“Ever since I arrived at the Sydney Swans as a player I fell in love with the place, so to be trusted with the role as AFLW Senior Coach is a huge honour,” O’Riordan said.

“I have a lot of faith in the current playing list and I think we have the foundations of a successful team.

“I’m extremely grateful that the club has given me the chance to take on a more senior coaching role and I can’t wait to get started.”