The Sydney Swans have confirmed their 2025 AFLW coaching panel.
The Sydney Swans have confirmed their 2025 AFLW coaching panel, with inaugural Sydney AFLW co-captain Brooke Lochland and former Melbourne and Western Bulldogs player Lachie Hunter joining the ranks. The appointments come as 2005 AFL premiership hero Nick Davis and U16 Girls All-Australian coach Bronwyn Gulden step away from their roles with the team.
Lochland will take on the role of forward-line coach, her appointment part of the AFL’s Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, which supports the progression of women into senior coaching roles across men’s and women’s competitions.
A 2018 premiership player with the Western Bulldogs, Lochland was co-captain of the Swans’ inaugural AFLW side in 2022. The All-Australian forward retired at the end of last season after 64 AFLW games.
Hunter, who played 199 AFL games – including in the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership – will coach the backline. He joins the Swans with a wealth of elite-level experience and a strong reputation for leadership.
Meanwhile, Tanya Hetherington will move into the midfield coaching position, after spending the past two seasons as forward-line coach.
Sydney Swans Executive GM of AFLW Football, Amanda Turner, said the club is excited about the mix of experience and emerging coaching talent in the new-look panel.
“We’re thrilled to have Brooke remain at our club in an official coaching capacity this season,” Turner said.
“She is respected by our playing group, and her recent on-field experience will translate well into her new role.
“Brooke is excited by the opportunity, and we look forward to seeing her growth in the coaching space.”
Turner also welcomed Hunter’s arrival:
“Lachie had an outstanding playing career and brings significant AFL experience to our program. His knowledge of the game and on-field leadership will make him a valuable addition to our coaching team.”
In reflecting on the coaching changes, Turner paid tribute to departing coaches Nick Davis and Bronwyn Gulden.
“Nick has been an instrumental part of our AFLW team from the outset. As a 2005 premiership player and veteran of 168 games, he brought a deep understanding of high-performance football and our club culture, and he is a much-loved part of our red and white family,” Turner said.
“Since retiring from playing, Nick’s contribution to our club has spanned a number of different roles. He has been a specialist kicking coach for our AFL team, a development coach for both AFL and the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, our AFLW senior assistant coach, and the head coach of our female academy program.
“Bronwyn has also been an invaluable part of our team who has always shown incredible passion and deep care for our athletes. While she is shifting her focus from our AFLW team, the club is fortunate to have her continue with the academy, where this year she was named U16 All-Australian Coach.
“We’ve been really fortunate to have Bronwyn and Nick as part of our coaching team, and both were extremely popular with the playing group. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Bronwyn and Nick for their contribution and wish them all the very best for the future.”
The Sydney Swans open their AFLW season against Richmond on Friday, August 15 at North Sydney Oval.