Curra Swans’ Elisha Gallagher makes history as first female coach of an AFL Townsville men’s team

Elisha Gallagher will make AFL Townsville history this weekend when she becomes the first known woman to coach a senior men’s premiership side.

Townsville women's AFL game between Northern Beaches Suns and Curra Swans at Murray Sporting Complex. Swans Elisha Gallagher. Picture: Evan Morgan

History will be made at Muldoon Oval when Elisha Gallagher takes over as head coach for the Curra Swans in AFL Townsville’s Senior Men’s premiership.

It is believed to be the first time in district history that a female coach will lead a male first grade side.

Regular Swans coach Ray Burgess will vacate the role for the weekend for a family matter, entrusting the magnets and whiteboard to former South Australian state league star Gallagher.

Burgess said he had full faith in the Army personal trainer to lead in his stead.

“Elisha has been by my side in the senior team since I arrived at Curra last season,” Burgess said.

“She played a role as a line coach with the midfield and then assistant coach in 2024 and has taken on the role of assistant coach/runner in 2025.

“Gal has extensive footy knowledge at both local, state and ADF level and has the complete and utmost respect of the group.

“She took over training on Thursday night in what was a seamless transition which gives confidence that it will be exacting the same come Saturday.

“I have full faith in Elisha, am really proud of her and am very comfortable and confident putting the team in her very capable hands this weekend.”

Gallagher’s coaching debut will be a trial by fire against triple premiers Thuringowa Bulldogs - the side which conquered Curra 9.6 (60) to 4.4 (28) in the 2024 grand final.

The Bulldogs have won 41 of their past 42 matches in the division, with their only blemish coming against Curra 12 months ago, on June 22, 2024.

Former Hermit Park key forward Ben Lynch has made an immediate impression since moving to the Bulldogs this season, booting 14 goals in four games to lead the local Coleman Medal count.

Curra’s own rising forward Remy Hudson-Tom is hot on his heels with 13 goals in five.

First bounce is at 4.45pm.

Northern Beaches will host University Hawks on Saturday at North Shore Oval at 4.45pm.

Originally published as Curra Swans’ Elisha Gallagher makes history as first female coach of an AFL Townsville men’s team