Swans AFLW head coach looking to turn his young age to advantage
With his playing days not far behind him, 30-year-old Colin O'Riordan feels like he can connect with the team at an emotional level.
Colin O Riordan, the 30-year-old head coach of Sydney Swans AFLW, is capitalizing on his recent playing experience to build respect with his young players. O Riordan, who played 34 games for Sydney between 2016 and 2022 before retiring due to chronic hip injuries, understands the pressure of game day. He aims to create a relationship-based coaching approach by getting to know the players personally and what drives them.
O Riordan emphasizes the importance of emotional detachment to avoid making emotional decisions, but acknowledges the passion that fuels the game. As the first Irish senior coach in AFL/AFLW history, O Riordan is excited to take on his first game against three-time premiership side Adelaide on August 16. Despite his nervousness, he remains focused on the hard work he has put in during the week, trusting that it will help the team excel during the match.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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