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Colin O'Riordan swaps Tipperary for Sydney

Colin O'Riordan will now ply his trade in the AFL after he signed an international rookie contrac...



Colin O'Riordan swaps Tipp...
Football

Colin O'Riordan swaps Tipperary for Sydney

Colin O'Riordan will now ply his trade in the AFL after he signed an international rookie contract with the Sydney Swans.

The dual star impressed during the Australian Football League Draft Combine and has been picked up on a two-year deal.

The 19-year-old, an All-Ireland minor winner in both hurling and football, was among 80 trialists in the four day draft process and his speed, agility, jumping, endurance, handling, kicking and goal-kicking was assessed by coachs from around the league.

"It’s unreal, it’s a dream come true," said O’Riordan.   

"I fell in love with Sydney instantly and from the moment I arrived at the club I felt at home as everyone was so welcoming.

"It hasn’t sunk it yet but when I touch down in Ireland and see my family I’m sure it will."

Kinnear Beatson , Sydney Swans recruiting manager, was anxious to get O'Riordan signed on after the trials.

"Colin came to the club early this week for a trial and had a training session with members of our academy where he instantly impressed us," Beatson said.

"What struck us the most was how well he kicked the footy – he’s clearly been doing a lot of work on that – and he genuinely looks like an AFL footballer.

"He’s got great skills, takes the ball at the highest point when marking overhead, his work ethic and his competitiveness really shone out in the session he had with us.

"We’re really excited Colin has decided to join the Swans and we know he’s got the attitude and drive to give himself the best possible chance to forge a long and successful career."

The JK Brackens man was named the young footballer of the year in 2014 and helped Tipperary to an All-Ireland in 2011.

 

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