Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O'Riordan has named his first line-up of the 2026 season, locking in his team for 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, which will also mark her 50th game. 

"Julie's put in a mountain of work in the past 12 months to come back from an ACL injury," O'Riordan said.

"It's a testament to her that she's picked for round one and just really excited to see what she can do for us on the weekend."

Adding to the excitement, three players will 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 will also pull on the red and white for the first time after joining the Swans ahead of the 2026 season.

O'Riordan said he was excited to see all three players in action.

"Three very unique and different stories, but obviously Maddie and Immy came through to QBE Sydney Swans Academy, just conducted themselves in an incredibly professional way for the whole pre-season and really looking forward to what they can do," O'Riordan said.

"Maddie obviously will play more as a key forward, and then Immy will play a bit more time in the wing, which will be really exciting to see them both use their weapons.

"Then obviously Tay coming down from Brisbane in the off-season, really looking forward to having her here, seeing what she can do as a key forward for us."

The match will also mark O'Riordan's first match as senior coach. He said he was expecting a tough contest against a formidable Adelaide opponent. 

"Obviously Adelaide have been the benchmark for many years now, really good footy team, really good footy club, new coach and a lot of new players," O'Riordan said.

"It'll be really interesting to see what they give up, again, this week is all about us and trying to concentrate on what we can bring, if we bring what we can bring, hopefully we can have a crack."