FORMER TIPPERARY FOOTBALLER Colin O’Riordan has been appointed as the head coach of the Ireland AFLW team for their historic clash with Australia in August.
Mayo’s four-time All-Ireland winner, and former AFLW player, Cora Staunton will also be involved as the chair of selectors. Brisbane’s two-time premiership winner Craig Starcevich will be a senior assistant.
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O’Riordan, who is also a former AFL player, is head coach of Sydney Swans and will take charge of the Ireland team at the 16,000-capacity North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August.
Bringing some Irish flair 🇮🇪
Sydney Swans coach Colin O'Riordan has been named as the coach of Ireland for 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland. pic.twitter.com/sfSjNCB9Mk
Staunton was a trailblazer for Irish players in the AFLW. She was Greater Western Sydney Giants’ all-time leading goal kicker and games holder across six seasons. She scored 55 goals in 50 games before calling time on her AFLW career in 2023.
Talk about trailblazers 👀
Debbie Lee and Cora Staunton have been appointed chair of selectors for Australia and Ireland respectively. pic.twitter.com/AGZ0zqxidE
North Melbourne’s dual AFLW premiership coach Darren Crocker is set to be announced as Australia’s coach while Hall of Fame member and VFLW legend Debbie Lee will be the team’s chair of selectors.
The Ireland-Australia match will take place a fortnight before the start of the 2026 AFLW campaign, which is due to get underway the week starting Monday, 10 August.
A Sherrin will be used for the game rather than the round ball that was previously used for the Compromised Rules fixtures between Ireland and Australia in the men’s game.
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Colin O'Riordan and Cora Staunton to lead Ireland team for historic AFLW clash with Australia
FORMER TIPPERARY FOOTBALLER Colin O’Riordan has been appointed as the head coach of the Ireland AFLW team for their historic clash with Australia in August.
Mayo’s four-time All-Ireland winner, and former AFLW player, Cora Staunton will also be involved as the chair of selectors. Brisbane’s two-time premiership winner Craig Starcevich will be a senior assistant.
O’Riordan, who is also a former AFL player, is head coach of Sydney Swans and will take charge of the Ireland team at the 16,000-capacity North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August.
Staunton was a trailblazer for Irish players in the AFLW. She was Greater Western Sydney Giants’ all-time leading goal kicker and games holder across six seasons. She scored 55 goals in 50 games before calling time on her AFLW career in 2023.
North Melbourne’s dual AFLW premiership coach Darren Crocker is set to be announced as Australia’s coach while Hall of Fame member and VFLW legend Debbie Lee will be the team’s chair of selectors.
The Ireland-Australia match will take place a fortnight before the start of the 2026 AFLW campaign, which is due to get underway the week starting Monday, 10 August.
A Sherrin will be used for the game rather than the round ball that was previously used for the Compromised Rules fixtures between Ireland and Australia in the men’s game.
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AFL AFLW backroom team Colin O'Riordan Cora Staunton GAA Gaelic Football