Tipperary’s Colin O’Riordan makes history as new Sydney Swans AFLW Coach

IT'S A LONG WAY FROM TIPPERARY: Colin O’Riordan has been appointed Sydney Swans AFLW Senior Coach. Pic: Sydney Swans.

The Sydney Swans have appointed former Tipperary footballer and AFL player Colin O’Riordan as their new AFLW Senior Coach for the 2026 season.

The 30-year-old has made history as the first Irish AFL/AFLW senior coach ever.

O'Riordan retired at the end of the 2022 season due to a hip injury having played 34 games for the club but has been based in Sydney ever since. He has worked with the club’s academy and AFLW sides in recent years.

“Ever since I arrived at the Sydney Swans as a player I fell in love with the place, so to be trusted with the role as AFLW Senior Coach is a huge honour,” said O’Riordan.

Hear from the new AFLW senior coach, all the way from Ireland 🎙️ #CheerThis pic.twitter.com/0DfV7yqDzZ

— Sydney Swans AFLW (@SydneySwansAFLW) December 17, 2025

“I have a lot of faith in the current playing list and I think we have the foundations of a successful team.

“I’m extremely grateful that the club has given me the chance to take on a more senior coaching role and I can’t wait to get started.”

O’Riordan was a dual underage player for Tipperary. He returned and played for his county in 2020 as they claimed a famous Munster title.

“After an extensive and thorough recruitment process we feel that Colin has all the attributes to be a successful AFLW Senior Coach, and was the standout choice,” said Kate Mahony, the club’s Executive General Manager of AFLW.

“Over the past couple of years, he has shown exemplary leadership in his various coaching roles at the club, with his integrity a hallmark of his character. Colin is a well-respected member of the club, and I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the program.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Colin and his fiancée Louise into the Swans AFLW family.”

Elsewhere, the number of Irish women in the AFLW continues to rise after the Brisbane Lions announced the signing of Tipperary’s Caitlin Kennedy.

Kennedy’s sister, Anna-Rose, logged three seasons with Geelong previously. She is one of several Premier women in the league, joining Orla O’Dwyer, Aishling Moloney, Aisling McCarthy and Niamh Martin.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Brisbane Lions. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the club and learn from the players and coaching staff,” Kennedy said.

“The Lions have built an amazing culture and had great success over recent years, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

“I’m really excited to embrace the challenge of a new sport and country.”