The GIANTS will welcome both new and familiar faces after updates to the AFLW and VFL coaching structures ahead of the 2022 seasons.

The GIANTS are pleased to announce Damian Truslove will head up the club’s VFL program as head coach in 2022, working as a development coach across the AFL program following the departure of former coach Luke Kelly to Port Adelaide.

Truslove was part of the men’s program from 2016-2019 and returned to the GIANTS recently, working in the AFLW program as the senior assistant coach since the start of pre-season.

Former Swans rookie turned development coach Lloyd Perris will replace Truslove in the AFLW program to work alongside head coach Alan McConnell as the senior assistant coach, in charge of the midfield.

Perris’ playing career came to end at 21 after a luckless run of injury, undergoing three knee reconstructions in two years.

Moving into the coaching space following his playing career, Perris has coached at AFL Sydney level for the past five years and worked as a development coach at the Swans across the 2019 season. Perris is also a qualified teacher.

“I’m really excited to be joining the GIANTS,” Perris said.

“The strong club values and the quality of the people within the organisation have already been evident through the way people have reached out to welcome and support me.

“The AFLW program has gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to the tireless work of Alan McConnell and (Head of Women’s Football) Bri Harvey and the opportunity for me to join a quality program with a strong list and culture is one I’m grateful for.

“Working with Al (McConnell) is something that really excites me about this role, he’s incredibly experienced and has an understanding of the game like few coaches I’ve met.”

Perris will round out the AFLW coaching structure for 2022, working alongside Darren Rattan (back line) and Jon Vlatko (forward line).

Meanwhile, inaugural GIANTS staff member John Quinn will return to the club in a part-time role as a Senior Exercise Physiologist.

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