The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to confirm the club's AFLW coaching panel for 2026.
Rhyce Shaw returns to the helm for his second season as Head Coach, with the support of Assistant Coaches and former SUNS Sam Iles, Rory Thompson and Hugh Greenwood and newly appointed Development Coach Selina Priest.
Senior Assistant Coach Iles is set to kick off his seventh season developing the SUNS midfield, while Thompson progresses into his third year strengthening Gold Coast’s line of defence. Working across both the SUNS AFL, VFL and AFLW programs since 2024, Greenwood is gearing up for his first full season coaching the forwards in Gold Coast’s women’s program.
Priest joins the Gold Coast SUNS as part of the AFL Coaching Acceleration Scholarship with a primary focus on developing the club’s first and second-year players.
The inaugural Brisbane Lion and AFLW premiership player brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the program.
Over the years, the 2022 QAFLW Emma Zielke Medallist and 2025 Southport Sharks Hall of Fame inductee has inspired the next generation of Queensland footballers through several coaching roles including as Head Coach of the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy U18 Girls side.
During her time at the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy, Priest also worked alongside Shaw and Iles developing a number of local talents that have since graduated onto the Gold Coast SUNS AFLW list.
“We are thrilled to welcome Selina on board to the Gold Coast SUNS AFLW program,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Erin Phillips said.
“This role is an important investment in both our people and our program, helping us provide greater support to our younger athletes as they transition into AFLW and establish strong foundations on and off the field.
“Selina has played an integral role in the development of our young SUNS through her work with the Academy, and we look forward to seeing her continue to be a part of their professional journey.”
The Gold Coast SUNS officially begin preparations for the 2026 NAB AFLW season on Monday 18 May. Follow the Gold Coast SUNS AFLW social media channels to stay up to date.
