Updated at 19.09
COLIN O’RIORDAN HAS given his first interview to Australian media since departing Tipperary to join AFL side Sydney Swans.
The dual star, who was nominated for a football Allstar in 2014, confirmed his decision to leave Ireland recently.
After signing on an international rookie contract, O’Riordan told Swans TV he was “looking forward to starting pre-season”.
“It’s just anticipation really,” he said. “You want to show everyone why you were picked.
“Everyone I met so far has been so welcoming, it’s great to be part of it.”
As for his hopes for the coming season, O’Riordan added:
“It’s a new game and I want to show everyone I can adapt to it. The big thing for me is learning the basic skills and acclimatising to the weather and stuff like that — trying to impress everyone.”
In addition, O’Riordan acknowledged the importance of former GAA and Aussie Rules star Tadhg Kennelly, who is now the AFL’s international talent coordinator, in facilitating his big move.
“The last time I was over, Tadhg was like a father. He’d bring you around and do everything. You can have nothing but high praise for Tadhg and if you achieve half the success he achieved, you’d be going well.
“The likes of Paddy Brophy, who signed for West Coast last year, and even Pearce Hanley and Zach Tuohy are big inspirations and you just want to try to emulate what they’re doing for their clubs.”
You can watch the full interview here.
