The Gold Coast SUNS have made key additions to their AFLW coaching panel ahead of the 2025 season, securing former Collingwood and Carlton player Chris Bryan in a senior coaching role.
Bryan, who most recently served as Director of Football at NTFL club Waratah, has been appointed as the Head of Football Performance and Assistant Coach. In addition to overseeing the SUNS’ midfield, he will play a crucial role in coaching education and development within the AFLW program.
The club has also confirmed the return of two key coaching figures. Senior Assistant Coach Sam Iles will continue for a fifth AFLW season, leading the forward line, while Gold Coast SUNS life member Rory Thompson will take charge of the defensive group for a second year.
The trio will work under Head Coach Rhyce Shaw, whose position was reaffirmed in January. Shaw has been with the club since 2021, initially leading the AFL development program before transitioning to his most recent role as Director of Coaching within the Streetsmarts SUNS Academy.
SUNS Head of Women’s Football, Fiona Sessarago, expressed confidence in the revamped coaching panel.
“It’s exciting to see our coaching panel continue to take shape as we ramp up preparations for the 2025 season,” 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.”
With the 2025 season on the horizon, the SUNS AFLW squad is set to return for pre-season training in May.
