Colin O’Riordan has made history by becoming the first Irish senior coach in the AFLW.

The former Tipperary football star has been named as the Sydney Swans’ women’s team coach, having played 34 AFL games for the club between 2016 and 2022. In between, he returned home to win an historic Munster SFC title with Tipperary during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Since retiring from the AFL due to persistent hip problems, O’Riordan has immersed himself in coaching at the Harbour City club, having had stints as head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans, U18 male academy and AFLW assistant coach.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Sydney Swans executive general manager of AFLW football, Kate Mahony, added: “After an extensive and thorough recruitment process, we feel that Colin has all the attributes to be a successful AFLW senior coach.

“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.”

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

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

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