Sydney Swans head coach John Longmire has sung the praises of Tipperary ace Colin O'Riordan since his arrival at the AFL club.

After having signed a two-year rookie contract with the Swans back in November, the 20-year-old dual star has been training and impressed the coaching staff since arriving in the New South Wales capital.

"It's really surprised us. He hasn't had much exposure to much at all in regards to AFL football obviously, coming from Ireland," Longmire said in today's Irish Examiner.

"He's been fantastic, just super the way he competes and the way he gets the most out of himself in every session.

"Colin has adapted really well to the skill components. He's actually surprised us. He looks as though he has been kicking an AFL ball for a long time. It hasn't been an issue for him at all. He's fitted right into our training group."

He added: "In terms of game sense, he's had no problems, having played Gaelic football in Ireland which is a similar sport. It's obviously helped with that. But what's stood out the most is that he's a massive competitor, which fits in really well with AFL football and what we need."

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