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.
