Sydney Swans AFLW Coach Colin O'Riordan on Balancing Respect, Emotion, and Experience

Sydney Swans AFLW head coach Colin O'Riordan, 30, draws on recent playing experience to connect with players, emphasizing a relationship-based coaching approach ahead of the 2024 season opener against Adelaide.

O'Riordan, who played 34 games for Sydney before retiring due to hip injuries, was appointed in December and is the first Irish senior coach in AFL/AFLW history. He coached the Ireland team against Australia in a historic representative game earlier this month.

Defender Tanya Kennedy, 33, and several players in their late 20s are on the list, prompting O'Riordan to reflect on gaining respect while being close in age to some players. "Sometimes you feel like, coming in as a young person, you just want to get that respect with the group really quickly, but there is a daunting element where you know … I'm not that much older than some of the girls," he told ABC Sport.

O'Riordan believes his recent playing career helps him understand the pressures of the game, including the physical demands and decision-making under pressure. He aims for a coaching style that focuses on personal connections, stating, "I want to know who's running out for me, who's playing for me, and actually what makes them tick is huge for me."

The Swans, who finished ninth last season, face a challenging opener against three-time premiership winners Adelaide on August 16. O'Riordan admits to nerves but trusts in the team's preparation. "I think that's human nature... Yes, there's nerves, but there's also an excitement that today's the event... in my head, that should override the nerves to say, 'No, I've done the work,'" he said.

O'Riordan replaces Scott Gowans, who had mixed results during his tenure, including a semifinal run in the Swans' second season but failing to reach the top eight in subsequent years.