Following a comprehensive review of the 2021 AFLW season, and with mutual agreement with Alan McConnell, the GIANTS are set to embark on the process of appointing a new AFLW head coach. The club and Alan remain in discussions about a new role with the GIANTS.

McConnell is the GIANTS’ first-ever employee having joined the club in 2009, during which time he has held numerous coaching roles within the GIANTS’ AFL program, before taking over as AFLW head coach in 2018.

Over the past five seasons, McConnell has led Sydney’s inaugural AFLW team to its first finals appearance, in 2020, while successfully steering the program through two extremely challenging COVID-impacted seasons.

GIANTS Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews, thanked McConnell for his immeasurable contribution as AFLW head coach, confirming the club is working with him on a new role.

“Alan’s impact on our AFLW program can’t be overstated,” he said.

“He has brought an extremely high level of expertise, experience and insight to our AFLW program and continued to set new standards. 

“We’re in discussions with Alan on what the next chapter looks like as a continuation of an already outstanding coaching career.” 

McConnell said he is proud of all he has achieved as head coach of the GIANTS’ AFLW program.

“It's time for me to take on the next challenge, which I’m looking forward to,” he said.

“I leave the AFLW head coach role with a huge amount of pride, having learnt and experienced so much over the past five years.

"To have been a part of the formative years of the AFL Women’s competition has been an absolute honour. It’s been a privilege to lead this group of women - I’ve learned so much from them and about myself.”

The GIANTS will now commence the process to identify its next AFLW head coach.