Tipperary man Colin O’Riordan has been appointed head coach of the Sydney Swans academy.
The former Swans midfielder was a revelation as part of the Swans AFLW coaching team this year, helping the side to reach the semi-finals in only their second season in the competition.
O’Riordan played 34 senior AFL games for Sydney and won the 2021 Best Clubman award before being forced into retirement with a hip injury at the age of only 27 last year.
“It’s pretty special,” O’Riordan said.
“I came here in 2015 and it was a bit of a journey initially, I never envisioned myself being in this role. I fell in love with the place and it’s a massive honour and I’m really proud.
“Short term goal is to get to know the kids and their families, get them to understand what professional standards look like and just give them the best opportunity to succeed.”