Port Adelaide has finalised its AFLW coaching structure ahead of its first season under senior coach Glenn Strachan, with Aiden Yelland joining the program as assistant coach and Logan Austin and Troy Wilkey appointed as development coaches.
Yelland arrives at Alberton with a strong coaching background, having developed his craft as both an assistant and head coach in Geelong’s VFLW program, and will oversee the midfield group in 2026.
His coaching experience is further complemented by an accomplished playing career, featuring 249 games and 149 goals, as well as his background as a qualified teacher, and he will bolster Strachan’s coaching group alongside returning assistants Sam Virgo and Braedon Talbot.
Virgo will oversee the backline this season, while Talbot remains in charge of the forwards following strong respective seasons in their roles.
Austin joins the program as a development coach, bringing experience as a former Port Adelaide and St Kilda AFL player, while Wilkey will continue his long-standing involvement with the Power’s AFLW program alongside his role as game day runner.
Dr Grace Greenham PhD has also joined the program as High Performance Manager, bringing more than a decade of experience in sport and sports science, including eight years at the Adelaide Football Club.
Port Adelaide Head of AFLW Dan Merrett said the club was pleased to retain key personnel while adding a wealth of fresh experience to the coaching group.
“We’re really pleased with the balance we’ve been able to achieve across the coaching group to support Glenn heading into 2026,” Merrett said.
“Sam and Braedon have done a terrific job as assistant coaches, and their continuity will be really important for the group.
“Aiden is a fantastic addition to the program and brings great football and coaching knowledge, strong relationships and a fresh perspective to our coaching group.
“We’re also excited to welcome Logan into the program and to see Troy continue his involvement with the team in a development capacity after the great work he’s done around the group over a number of years.
“The group is off to a strong start in the opening weeks of pre-season, and there’s a lot of positive energy around the club.
“Glenn’s leadership has been immense and very impressive in the short time he’s been at Port Adelaide. We’ve had a small window to connect as a coaching group, but also as a program, and we’ve placed a strong emphasis on that early, which is already paying off.
“We feel we’ve assembled a really strong coaching structure to support our players and drive the program forward in 2026, and we’re looking forward to the season ahead.”
Port Adelaide 2026 AFLW coaching panel
- Glenn Strachan – senior coach
- Aiden Yelland – assistant coach
- Sam Virgo – assistant coach
- Braedon Talbot – assistant coach
- Logan Austin – development coach
- Troy Wilkey – development coach
