Swans tie down coaching panel for 2019

TADHG Kennelly will take control of the Sydney defence next season after replacing fellow premiership backman Rhyce Shaw in the club's coaching structure.

2005 flag winner Kennelly, who was the Swans' NEAFL coach in 2018, will take over the role vacated by 2012 premiership star Shaw, who joined North Melbourne's coaching panel over the off-season.

Jeremy Laidler will take the reins of the Swans' reserves side alongside Lloyd Perris, another former Sydney player, who has returned to the club as a development coach.

Perris, who had three knee reconstructions while he was on the Swans rookie list and failed to play a senior game, has been coaching with Sydney University’s NEAFL team.

Sydney's new head of football Charlie Gardiner said the changes were exciting for the club.

"We saw the huge contribution our new coaches had in season 2018 and we look forward to seeing the impact that Tadhg and Lloyd will have on the group in 2019 and beyond," he said.

"Tadhg is not only a great coach but a terrific person to have around the club, and he will be a great addition to our assistant coaching group.

"Similarly, it’s great to have Lloyd join our development program, he’s someone that experienced the highs and lows of playing before making a seamless transition to coaching.

"We think he’ll be a terrific asset for our up-and-coming players."

Sydney’s younger players will return for pre-season training on Monday, with the rest of the squad due back on Monday, November 26.