Premiership defender Tadhg Kennelly returned to the Sydney Swans as a development coach for season 2018, before stepping into the role of defence coach vacated by Rhyce Shaw.

After calling an end to his playing career at the end of season 2011, Kennelly took up a position with the AFL recruiting international talent, before taking charge of the NSW/ACT Rams and Allies squads competing in the AFL Under-18 and Under-16 Championships.

He was also an assistant under head coach Alastair Clarkson for the 2014 International Rules Series against Ireland, a handy recruit given his extensive history of representing his home nation.

Kennelly played 197 games between 2001 and 2011 after being signed as a rookie at the end of season 1999.

As raw to the foreign game as they came, Kennelly had a fanatical work ethic, silky skills and lightning-quick pace which proved a successful combination.