Sydney AFLW coach Colin O’Riordan has admitted homesickness is a real challenge for Zippy Fish as the Swans try to keep the reigning Rising Star winner at the club.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, O’Riordan said the club would “do everything we can” to keep the WA-raised youngster, who is approaching the end of her initial two-year draftee contract, AFL.com.au reported. The West Australian also carried the coach’s comments.
AFL.com.au reported last month that the race for Fish had come down to three options: a move to Fremantle or Geelong, or a new deal in Sydney.
O’Riordan, who moved from Ireland to play AFL, said he could relate to her situation.
“I’m probably the person best suited to talk about homesickness because I’ve lived it, and it is a real thing,” he said.
“But from a football perspective, the way she played on the weekend clearly shows the calibre of player she is, and we’ll do everything we can to keep her at our club.”
Read more: Jasmine Garner Reveals ‘Mixed Emotions’ Over Nick Blakey Trade
‘She just wants to play footy’
O’Riordan said Fish had stayed focused on her football despite the interest from rival clubs.
“We understand the pull to home is there for ‘Zip’, being so far away from family and friends. But the one thing she’s been really conscious of all year is that she just wants to play footy,” he said.
Read more: Jake Stringer Set to Join St Kilda as Delisted Free Agent
“We’ve sat down and had open conversations with her, outlined our strategy and what we’re trying to achieve, but mostly it’s just about wrapping our arms around her,” O’Riordan said.
“It is hard for a young 20-year-old girl to travel across the country with no family support; that’s a tough place to be.”
Asked whether WA opponents might try to talk her into a move during upcoming matches, O’Riordan said: “Potentially, maybe yes. I’m not going to get into trying to guess what opposition players are going to say to her.”
Molloy and Hurley updates
O’Riordan also said talks to extend three-time All-Australian Chloe Molloy were progressing behind the scenes. Molloy is nearing the final years of the five-year marquee deal she signed when she moved from Collingwood before the 2023 season.
Co-vice-captain Sofia Hurley recently re-signed with Sydney until at least the end of 2028, but her return from an ankle injury suffered in round five remains week to week, with no timeline set for finals.
More News
