Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O'Riordan has named his first line-up of the 2026 season, confirming an extended squad of 24 ahead of the club's Round 1 clash with Adelaide.

The Swans enter the new campaign with a blend of experience and exciting fresh talent, highlighted by the return of key midfielder Julie O'Sullivan and a number of club debutants set to feature in red and white for the first time.

O'Riordan's side receives a major boost with the return of O'Sullivan, who is set to play her first AFLW match since suffering an ACL injury that prematurely ended her 2025 season after just five rounds. The midfielder has completed a strong rehabilitation program and has earned her place back in the senior side for Round 1.

In a significant milestone for the club, Lucy McEvoy will lead the Swans into battle for the first time as sole captain. McEvoy takes the reins after serving as co-captain alongside Chloe Molly and will be supported by vice-captains Sofia Hurley and Cynthia Hamilton, who will also take to the field in their first match as vice-captains.

Adding to the excitement, three players are in line to make their debuts for the club. QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduates Maddie Quinn and Imogen Brown are set to play their first AFLW matches, marking a proud moment for the club's Academy pathway. Recruit Taylor Smith is also poised to pull on the red and white for the first time after joining the Swans ahead of the 2026 season.

The selected squad reflects a strong mix of emerging talent and established performers as the Swans look to make a positive start against one of the competition's benchmark sides, in the Adelaide Crows.

The extended bench will be cut to five players at 5pm on Friday.