The Sydney Swans have confirmed their AFLW coaching panel for season 2026, under new senior coach Colin O'Riordan. 
 
O’Riordan, who played 34 AFL games for the Swans between 2016 and 2022, was appointed senior coach in December last year after holding several coaching roles at the club including Head Coach of the QBE Sydney Swans U/18 Male Academy and AFLW assistant coach.
 
He will be supported by Tanya Hetherington, who has been elevated to senior assistant coach and will lead the team’s backline and team defence. The experienced former player coached the midfield last season, after spending the two previous years as forward‑line coach. She brings 46 games of AFLW experience as a defender with the GWS Giants, along with extensive coaching credentials through her work developing the next generation in the Sydney Swans QBE Academy.
 
Inaugural Sydney AFLW co-captain and 64-game AFLW player Brooke Lochland returns to the club’s coaching ranks to look after the side’s forward line while Lachie Hunter, who played 199 AFL games, will coach the midfield.
 
In a new addition to the Swans coaching panel, Willem Smit has been appointed development coach. Smit, who is also an assistant coach for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Top End Female U16 team, will provide extra support for the side’s younger contingent of players. 
 
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager - AFLW Football, Kate Mahony, said she was delighted with the coaching group assembled under O’Riordan.
 
“We are pleased to have finalised the coaching panel in preparation for what will be an exciting 2026 season for our AFLW program, under a new senior coach in Colin,” Mahony said. 
 
"Tanya’s elevation to senior assistant coach is thoroughly deserved, having been a part of our coaching group for a number of years now. Given we have identified our team defence as a priority focus area for our program this season, it’s important to have someone as experienced as Tanya take on this role. 
 
“We’re also excited to have Brooke and Lachie back for their second season in our program, bringing experience at both AFL and AFLW level, and their impact on our group has already been significant.
 
“It’s also great to bring Will into our program, who will bring great energy and passion for the development of our players."