The UTS Australian Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of ex Sydney Swans player and renowned AFL Sydney youth coach Kevin Dyson as the Bats’ new Men’s Head Coach.
Dyson’s announcement comes in addition to the re-signing of Miguel Limson as Women’s Head Coach for 2023 after the Women’s Premier Division team had its most successful season under the Bats banner in 2022, narrowly missing the finals on percentage.
After an extensive search, the UTS Bats identified Dyson as the clear standout to take the emerging men’s playing group forward after two recent seasons of development both on and off the field.
“Kevin is a very well-respected member of the AFL Sydney community and, having been on the fringes of our club in recent seasons, we recognized early on in the process that he had the experience, expertise and ambition that we were seeking,” says Bats football director and vice president Sam Chadwick.
“Most importantly, Kev shares the same bold vision for our club.”
Dyson, 55, was drafted to Melbourne from Oakleigh and finished his seven-year AFL career in 1997 at the Swans. He has since gone on to coach junior teams for East Sydney Bulldogs and youth teams at UNSW/ES, and helped establish the Sydney Swans Academy as a coach from 2015-2016.
“I love to coach, and I have a passion to keep developing and supporting players and our great game,” Dyson outlined.
“My coaching approach is based on my own journey as a player and at the heart of it fundamentally, is hard work, competitiveness and belief.”
“It is a privilege for me to coach the UTS Bats and I am excited to see how the team and the club continues to evolve in 2023 and beyond.”
Dyson’s football playing and coaching background includes:
- 105 AFL games with Melbourne FC and Sydney Swans FC (1991-1997)
- Coached at East Sydney Bulldogs 2006 – 2016 (Life Member)
- Sydney Swans Academy Coach (2015-16)
- Assistant Coach UNSW 19s Div 1 2017 (Prelim Finalists)
- Head Coach UNSW 19s Div 1 2018 (Premiership Year)
- Assistant Coach UNSW 19s Div 1 2019 (Premiership Year)
- Assistant Coach UNSW 19s Div 1 2020 (Runner up)
Dyson currently works professionally in IT/Cyber Security, mainly in leadership roles.
Women’s coaching panel continues
In addition to Miguel Limson re-committing to the Bats, the entire 2022 women’s coaching panel will also continue next seasonm providing stability across the women’s program.
They include Premier Division assistant coaches Reuben Pannu and Matt Burgess, as well as Women’s Reserves and development coach Kelli Nolan after taking the Division 1 team to the 2022 Preliminary Final, and Division 3 coach Geoff Roach.
“I am honoured to continue coaching this group. After a strong season where we missed the finals on percentage after developing a lot of youth, we are aiming to go up another gear next season,” said Limson.
Emley steps into coaching director role
Dyson takes the men’s senior coaching reins from Kyle Emley, who remains with the Bats as coaching director to provide mentoring, guidance and support to all club coaches.
Emley has overseen two successful seasons of development in the male program including 2022 where the club recorded its highest number of wins in Men’s Premier Division since 2017 and the blooding of many local Sydney juniors.
“Kyle has been instrumental in developing the standards within the club and taking the men’s playing group forward to where it currently sits, and we were really keen to keep him involved,” says Chadwick.
A number of coaching positions are available for men’s teams in 2023 including the U19s Division 1 coach and assistant coaches. Please submit any expressions of interest to football@utsafc.com.au.
Become a Bat in 2023
The Bats are back and welcoming new and returning players who want to be part of one of the top Australian Football clubs in NSW.
The UTS Bats are one of Sydney’s biggest and most popular Australian Football clubs, and the biggest in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Playing in the AFL Sydney Premier, Premier Reserves, Div 1, Div 3, Masters and U19 Division 1 men’s competitions, as well as the Premier, Div 1 and Div 3 women’s competitions, we cater for the serious and the social footballer.
Whether you’re a skilled and seasoned player, a newcomer to the game or simply looking for a weekend kick, the UTS Bats are welcoming of all players and abilities.
Player registration opens on 1 November. For more info on registrations and return to training, please join our mailing list here.
