FORMER TIPPERARY FOOTBALLER Colin O’Riordan is set to make a major Aussie Rules breakthrough this weekend when he makes his debut in the AFL for the Sydney Swans.
It’s been confirmed by Sydney Swans that O’Riordan will make his bow in their Round 17 game against North Melbourne at the Etihad Stadium.
“To start the journey three years ago and now to be able to run out for my debut is something I’ve wanted to do ever since I came here,” O’Riordan told the Sydney Swans website.
“That’s what I’ve come to Australia to do and I’m just absolutely stoked. I have a huge sense of pride and it just feels like all the hard work has paid off.
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‘He tells it as it is and there’s no bullshit with him’ – Tipp’s O’Riordan aims for AFL breakthrough
“I didn’t really know what to expect walking into the team meeting on Tuesday morning. It was all a bit surreal and I wasn’t expecting to be told I’d be making my debut one little bit. Then when you walk in and the coaches are there and all the players are there it’s a really special moment.
“I reflected on my journey a bit when I was told and to come from where I came from and to get the chance to make my debut is surreal.”
O’Riordan further committed his future to the club last November after signing a new two-year contract extension.
He had initially joined the Sydney Swans in October 2015 on an international rookie contract after impressing at the AFL’s Draft Combine.
O’Riordan burst to prominence for Tipperary as an underage player, winning an All-Ireland minor football medal as a 16-year-old in 2011 and triumphing in hurling at the same grade a year later.
In 2014 he broke through to make his senior championship debut for the Tipperary footballers and in 2015 captained the county’s U21 side to win a Munster title before they lost out in the All-Ireland final to Tyrone.
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