There is already a significant Geelong flavour amongst the historic AFLW match between Australia and Ireland but now, it is not limited to the on-field action with Elise Coventry selected as an assistant coach for the Irish team. 

With a wealth of experience and knowledge both as a player and coach, Coventry will bring her expertise to the Irish squad in preparation for the representative clash at North Sydney Oval on Saturday August 1. 

Coventry and the coaching panel will lead an Ireland team that is also set to feature Geelong stars Aishling Moloney and Rachel Kearns, while Georgie Prespakis was also selected to represent Australia late last week. 

The 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match will be played under Australian Football Rules with a classic Sherrin football, with the event set to be a first for the AFLW competition. 

Elise Coventry in action for Geelong's VFLW side when she a playing line coach (defence). Photo: Arj Giese

Coventry is set to commence her fifth year as an assistant coach with Geelong's AFLW team, extending her elite coaching resume for another season. 

A former player with the Cats, Coventry featured with Geelong's VFLW team and also was added to the AFLW list but suffered an ACL injury, before making the transition and joining the coaching ranks. 

She spent two years as the head coach of Geelong's VFLW program, also spending time as a development coach under AFLW head coach Paul Hood at the time. 

Coventry then moved into an assistant coaching role with the AFLW team, continuing in that position until the present heading into the upcoming 2026 season. 

A key figure in the formative years of Geelong's AFLW team, Coventry will be recognised with this latest honour as she prepares to fulfil the role of assistant coach in the AFLW match between Australia and Ireland. 

The 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match will be played on Saturday August 1 from 4.15pm AEST, and will be broadcast exclusively live around the country on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, June 24 via Ticketmaster. Club and AFL members will have access from 10am AEST, and the general public from 12pm AEST.