Irish-born Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O’Riordan has been appointed to lead Ireland in the historic clash at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, August 1.
Hailing from Tipperary, O’Riordan played 34 AFL games for the Sydney Swans from 2016 to 2022 before moving into several coaching roles at the club. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, O’Riordan was appointed the Sydney Swans’ AFLW senior coach, becoming the first Irish-born senior coach in AFL/AFLW history.
O’Riordan will be supported by two-time Brisbane Lions premiership coach and three-time AFLCA AFLW Coach of the Year Craig Starcevich as senior assistant coach of Ireland.
Dual North Melbourne premiership coach Darren Crocker has been appointed senior coach of the Australian team.
Irish sporting legend Cora Staunton, the first Irish player recruited to the AFLW competition, has been appointed chair of selectors for Ireland following a decorated cross-code career spanning more than 20 years in Gaelic football and 50 AFLW games with the GWS GIANTS. Australian Football Hall of Fame member Debbie Lee has been appointed chair of selectors for
Australia. Lee, who played 302 VWFL games, is a three-time premiership player, a six-time All-Australian, seven-time club champion and five-time league best and fairest medallist.
AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations Laura Kane said the appointments highlighted the depth of coaching talent across the competition and the strong connection between AFLW and Ireland.
“We’re excited to announce such a high-calibre group to select and coach the teams for the highly anticipated NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match,” Kane said.
“As the reigning AFLW premiership coach, it was hard to look past Darren Crocker for the opportunity to coach Australia, and his appointment is fitting recognition of the success he has achieved at North Melbourne.
“Since being appointed the club’s AFLW senior coach, Darren has built one of the competition’s benchmark teams, leading the Kangaroos to three consecutive Grand Final appearances and back-to-back premierships.
“Colin O’Riordan’s appointment to coach Ireland is equally significant. Colin has been a wonderful ambassador for Irish talent in our game and, as the first Irish-born senior coach in AFL/AFLW history, he was the natural choice to lead Ireland.
“We’re also thrilled to have experienced and respected football figures such as Daisy Pearce, Craig Starcevich, Debbie Lee and Cora Staunton involved. Their achievements and leadership will ensure a fantastic experience for the players and help us further strengthen the rivalry between Australia and Ireland.”
The selection panels for Australia and Ireland will meet to select players for their respective teams, based on a mix of the best available players and emerging talent.
Player announcements will begin next month as tickets for the 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match go on sale.
Two more assistant coaches, as well as a development coach, will also be appointed for each team.
The 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match will be played under Australian Football Rules, with a classic Sherrin football.
The match will start at 4:15pm AEST and will be broadcast exclusively live around the country on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
