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Former Swans Academy star comes home

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The Kiama Power have secured the future of yet another local junior, with talented midfielder Oliver Baget committing to a return home in 2026.

Baget, a former Sydney Swans Academy star, has been playing in Sydney with the UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs for the past two seasons.

The 18-year-old joins his brother Fynn in recently committing to the Club for the 2026 season.

Oliver, a South Coast local and Sydney Swans Academy graduate, said he has bought in to Kiama’s vision for 2026.

“Clearly having Fynn back was a big factor. But he has a belief in what we’re doing and the direction we are heading in,” Head of Football Operations Sam Hodges said.

“Ollie wants to come back and help us lift to that next level.”

With over 100 junior games in a Power guernsey, Baget excelled and featured in national games for the Swans Academy alongside recent AFL draftees Lachie Carmichael, Noah Chamberlain and Max King.

Baget’s talent and experience will complement a rapidly evolving playing list hoping to create history for the Club’s 25th anniversary season.

Hodgey hands the reins to Pudge

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Sam Hodges has informed the club he wishes to step aside from the senior coaching role. However, he will remain in the black and teal, commencing a new role at the club in 2026.

With Sam stepping into his new role as Head of Football Operations, the Kiama Power are pleased to announce that Sean Byrne has been appointed as Senior Coach from season 2026.

Kiama Power President Dirk Ovenden said it is a historic day for the club. 

“Our club is very fortunate to have enjoyed the services of an incredible mentor as our men’s head coach for the past four seasons, and we are thrilled to have him continue at the club in a new and important role.

“At the same time, we are delighted to appoint Sean Byrne as our next Senior Coach. Pudge has already been a great servant of the club and is well qualified and prepared to move into the senior coaching position.”

Ovenden said the succession plan is a win-win for the club.

“Hodgey has been more than just a great senior men’s team coach for us. He has always had a whole-of-club outlook and has been instrumental in our ability to transform the club and create a culture that everyone wants to be a part of.

“He has guided the club through a challenging rebuilding period, all while raising a young family, and was a very deserving winner of the AFL South Coast Senior Coach of the Year award.”

Hodges said his decision was tough to make, however, he is delighted for Byrne and believes he is more than ready to step into the senior coaching role.

“This is the best outcome. I could have continued and we could have made it work again, but after a bit of thought I don’t want that. This group is so close to success, and they deserve someone that can dedicate more time.

“I want success for this club, and Pudge is the guy who will get us there. I believe that.”

Byrne has served the past two seasons as an assistant coach under Hodges, and concurrently as head coach of the Australian Navy rep team, he is well equipped to assume the helm of the Kiama men’s program in 2026.

He has previously served as head coach at the Bomaderry Tigers, with multiple first grade premierships as a player.

Byrne is thrilled to be appointed as head coach and paid homage to his predecessor.

“I want to thank Hodgey and the Kiama football club for the opportunity to be head coach. It really says a lot about the character of Hodgey, once again putting the club first.

“Off the back of his hard work over the last few years, it has us placed very well to be able to launch into next season. His fingerprints will be all over any future success we have as a club.

“My vision is to create a connected team that loves the contest and rises up to the challenge. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get stuck in.”

The club can also confirm that Tom Balding will be the senior men’s assistant coach, who brings a wealth of experience to Kiama after a majority of his playing career spent with Geelong Amateur and St Josephs in the AFL Barwon FNL in Victoria.

Additionally, 82-game club veteran Jamie Browne has been appointed reserves coach, taking over from Tony Grady who is now the senior women’s co-coach alongside Luke Vallence.

Power move lands Heff

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The Kiama Power are delighted to announce a new signing, with former Southern Power player Patrick O’Heffernan to don the black and teal in 2026.  

A further boost to the men’s program, the Power welcome O’Heffernan to Kiama following 47 games for the Southern Power in the Sydney league, and a 2022 finals campaign with Western Magic.

The 24-year-old midfielder joins the Power to unite with fellow Navy colleagues Jack Eastwood, Odin Brown, Tyrone Mitchell, Luke Vallence and Max Whiticker. 

O’Heffernan is the club’s third big signing in the past week, with club junior Fynn Baget and former Queanbeayn Tiger Aiden McShane also joining ahead of the club’s 25th anniversary season.

Head of Football Operations Sam Hodges said he was thrilled to welcome O’Heffernan to Kiama. 

“It’s really exciting to add someone of Patrick’s calibre to our program,” Hodges said.  

“From an on-field perspective, Heff will add formidable size in the middle of the ground along with valuable experience. 

“We still have a mostly young group and a lot who are yet to play finals, so O’Heffernan will help drive the standards needed to get to that level. 

O’Heffernan will join the Power for a full pre-season, before the season gets underway on 11 April.

Aiden McShane signs on

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The Kiama Power are pleased to announce the signing of Aiden McShane for the 2026 season. 

An experienced ruckman who has played with Canberra powerhouse clubs Queanbeyan Tigers and Belconnen Magpies, McShane arrives in Kiama looking to be a valuable member of the Power squad in the club’s 25th season.

After 44 games in Queanbeyan, the 26-year-old arrives in Kiama looking to challenge himself and improve his game in a new competition. 

Football Operations Manager Sam Hodges was pleased to see McShane commit to the Club. 

“Aiden actually filled in against us in a pre-season match this year, and was impressed with our club culture and camaraderie between the boys, so it’s great to see that energy attracting new recruits,” he said.

“Aiden is keen and ready to work hard. We’re looking forward to seeing him blossom in his new environment and we know he’ll bring that wealthy experience from playing at a big club.”

The addition of McShane strengthens the club’s forward planning as the playing list continues to deepen. A mobile, Canberra-hardened ruckman gives the team flexibility and resilience.

Fynn finds his way home

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Kiama Power are pleased to announce the first new signing for the club’s 25th anniversary season, with former Power junior Fynn Baget returning to Kiama.

After playing 77 games in Kiama, the midfielder moved to the Central Coast and played first grade in the Hunter Central Coast competition with The Entrance Bateau Bay.

Power president Dirk Ovenden was ecstatic to learn that Fynn was returning to his roots.

“It’s always fantastic to have our juniors making their way into seniors,” Ovenden said.

“Fynn took a detour over the past few years while he was living up on the Central Coast, and now he can bring that experience back to Kiama and play alongside a lot of the lads he grew up playing with in juniors.”

Baget’s arrival in Kiama adds further optimism to the Power’s premiership hopes ahead of the 2026 season, adding to a strong Power midfield which includes star players Jack Eastwood and Lachlan Kirk.

In an extra boost for the club, Fynn has the chance to play alongside his younger brother Oliver in 2026.

Former Youth All-Australian appointed as U17s girls coach

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The Kiama Power Junior AFL Club are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Power as the Head Coach of the Under 17s Girls team for 2026.

The aptly-named appointee joins the Power junior coaching ranks with a rich background in Australian Rules Football and Athletics.

In her football career from 2009 to 2012, Stephanie was captain of both the NSW and NSW/ACT teams at the 2011 National AFL Championships.

Power was named in the 2011 Youth Girls All-Australian team, and subsequently attended the combined Women’s and Youth Girls All-Australian High Performance Camp in 2012.

Alongside her AFL achievements, Stephanie has competed as a 100m and 200m sprinter at national level.

More recently, Power has continued to support emerging athletes as team manager for the NSWCCC and NSW All Schools U15 AFL Girls teams, and is passionate about the development of young female athletes in AFL.

Vallence and Grady named as new women’s co-coaches

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The Kiama Australian Football Club is proud to announce the appointment of Luke Vallence and Tony Grady as its new women’s senior co-coaches.

The duo will become the 10th and 11th senior coaches of the club’s women’s football program, arriving with a wealth of experience both on the field and in the coaches’ box.

Grady’s appointment follows two seasons as the club’s Men’s Reserves coach, whereas Vallence arrived at the club in 2025 and assisted with the women’s program before work duties took him away halfway through the season.

“We are incredibly excited to have Luke and Tony as the new senior co-coaches of our women’s program, as we look to further build and promote an enjoyable and inclusive environment for the women at our club,” club president Dirk Ovenden said.

“Luke brings an abundance of experience from his time playing in Western Australia and in the Navy and Defence Force representative teams. I think it’s safe to say that his knowledge and enthusiasm was greatly welcomed last season.

“Tony has proven in the last two seasons as the reserves coach that he is highly competitive and places a strong focus on connection, which we think will be an asset with the women’s playing group.

“As a football club, we’re delighted to be entering this next chapter with Luke and Tony at the helm.”

Vallence said he was full of excitement to be at the helm of an improving women’s squad.

“Kiama has a rich history, and I feel very humbled to be given this opportunity at the best club I’ve ever been apart of,” Vallence said.

“I can’t wait to get to work with Tony and the playing group, and start building towards 2026.”

After learning the ropes under Sam Hodges in the men’s program, Grady is ready to take charge of the senior women’s team.

“In 2025 we were able to recruit really well and add some returning players to the group, and the potential on the list is absolutely incredible ,” Grady said.

“Val and I firmly believe that we can compete for a flag in Premier Division with the gameplan, structure and environment that we want to build.”

The club is aiming to field two women’s teams in 2026, with the goal of also having a team compete in the women’s reserve grade competition.

Historic night as inaugural Scott Phillips Medal crowned in thrilling count

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Kiama’s Hamish Robertson has been named the winner of the inaugural Scott Phillips Medal, capping off a superb debut season at the club’s best and fairest awards night.

The announcement of the newly-named medal was kept as a surprise until the night – with Scott Phillips himself oblivious to the historic moment that was to occur.

Michael Williams had the honour of delivering the news in front of over one hundred Kiama Power players and supporters at the Kiama Leagues Club, in what became a landmark moment in the football club’s 24-year history with Phillips receiving a standing ovation.

Hamish Robertson, who was recruited to the club this season by Phillips, ended the count with 30 votes, just ahead of fellow recruit, Jack Eastwood, who finished in second place with 29 votes. Skipper Josh Simpson (26 votes), Charlie Wood (22 votes) and Lachlan Kirk (17 votes) rounded out the top five.

After being named in the AFL South Coast team of the year and winning the Scott Phillips Medal in his first season at Kiama, Robertson has cemented his status as one of the league’s elite players. The 24-year-old played in every game of the season, showcasing his elite football IQ and unwavering consistency.

Midseason arrival Jack Eastwood’s impressive form in the second half of the Premier Division campaign was highlighted by him voted as the Brendan Johnston Player’s Player award winner by his teammates.

Maddison Aitkin was awarded the Women’s Best & Fairest player of the year, dominating the count with 50 votes in a successful first season in Kiama which also included selection in the AFL South Coast representative team and voted the winner of the Sue Hilton Player’s Player award.

Elissa Rhodes’ strong return season saw her finish the count with 40 votes, while new recruits Maddie Edwards (25 votes) and Teneale Keene (25 votes) rounded out the podium finish.

Jayden Wilshire was recognised for his stellar season in Reserve Grade, winning both the Paul Doherty Memorial Best & Fairest Trophy and Tom Rawson Player’s Player awards.

Patrick Haig was deservedly recognised by his peers for his outstanding service to the club and community, as he was named the Darren Williams Clubperson of the Year winner.

Best & Fairest Voting System
Judges vote individually each round via a 3, 2, 1 voting system. The votes are applied to the three players they deem to have performed best in that game.

3 – Standout best on ground
2 – Second-best on ground
1 – Third-best on ground

Three judges per grade vote each week, with a player able to receive a maximum of 9 votes in any one game.

Other award winners

Rising Stars – Emma Trudgett & Darcy Hopson
Men’s First Grade Most Consistent – Josh Simpson
Men’s First Grade Coach’s Award – Thomas Bell
Men’s First Grade Leading Goalkicker – Thomas Bell
Women’s First Grade Most Consistent – Jade Quigley
Women’s First Grade Coach’s Award – Madison Mitchell
Women’s First Grade Leading Goalkicker – Shellee Gibson
Men’s Reserve Grade Most Consistent – Harvey Johnson
Men’s Reserve Grade Coach’s Award – Joel Cooney
Men’s Reserve Grade Leading Goalkicker – Jayden Andrews

Tickets on sale now for 2025 Presentation Night

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The 2025 Kiama Power AFC Presentation night is set for Friday, September 19 as we celebrate a successful 2025 season. Join players, coaches and supporters for an evening not to be missed.

Date: Friday, September 19
Time: From 6:30pm
Location: Kiama Leagues Club
Dress code: Lounge suit, cocktail

Tickets are now on sale here, for $50 per person.

The major event of our social calendar, this night will feature a three-course dinner as we celebrate our many successes through 2025 and look back at the season.

The night will be capped off with the announcement of our 2025 Best and Fairest winners across our three senior teams.

Other awards that will be announced on the night include:

Darren Williams Club Person Of The Year
Rising Star
Player’s Player
Runner Up Best and Fairest
Most Consistent
Coach’s Award
Leading Goalkicker

Lighting upgrade for Bonaira Oval

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The NSW Government will shine a light on Kiama Power by investing in lighting upgrades that will boost the club’s entire operation.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $275,000 to deliver new lighting to Bonaira Oval which will expand our ability to train, compete, and connect both female and male players in a safe and sustainable way.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper was joined by Katelin McInerney – Labor candidate for the upcoming Kiama by-election – along with Power players and officials, and AFL South Coast representatives, to deliver the news at Bonaira Oval this afternoon.

Late last year, we held a review of our facilities at Bonaira Oval, requesting new ideas and areas requiring improvement.

A trending concern across a majority of stakeholders – in both the junior and senior clubs – highlighted the need for better lighting at our home ground.

The installation of 150 lux LED lighting will improve visibility on the field during competition and training at Bonaira Oval – providing a safer environment for football and keeping up with current community AFL venue standards.

The funding is part of the Government’s investment of over a million dollars in community sporting organisations across the Kiama region as part of ongoing work to boost participation and deliver fit for purpose facilities.