The Gold Coast SUNS’ AFLW Coaching Panel is continuing to take shape with former Collingwood and Carlton player Chris Bryan committing to the club for the 2025 season.
Bryan, who was most recently Director of Football at NTFL club Waratah, joins the SUNS AFLW program as Head of Football Performance/Assistant Coach and will play a role in coaching education and development whilst also taking charge of the SUNS midfield.
Senior Assistant Coach Sam Iles will also return for a fifth AFLW campaign at the club, leading the forward line whilst Gold Coast SUNS life member Rory Thompson will oversee the defensive line for a second season.
The trio will support Head Coach Rhyce Shaw, whose position was confirmed in January.
Shaw has been employed at the SUNS since 2021, working as Head of Development in the AFL program before most recently holding the role of Director of Coaching within the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy.
“It’s exciting to see our coaching panel continue to take shape as we ramp up preparations for the 2025 season,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said.
“Chris adds a wealth of experience to our panel, and in addition to taking charge of our midfield group, he will also assist in education and development within our coaching team and fostering connections between key areas of our AFLW program.
“It’s fantastic to have Sam and Rory once again as part of our coaching structure, both of whom are well-respected and much-loved members of our program.
“We are excited to see our program continue to develop under their tutelage, alongside Head Coach Rhyce Shaw.”
The SUNS AFLW squad will return for official pre-season duties in May.
