McKaigue settling in at Swans

Derry's Chrissy McKaigue

Derry's Chrissy McKaigue says he's determined to be a success in Aussie Rules with the Sydney Swans.

The Slaughtneil man, who was spotted by AFL scouts in Derry's Ulster under 21 final defeat by Down last year, will play alongside Tadhg Kennelly if he earns a call-up to the club's senior list in the future.

In the meantime, however, he has set himself the more attainable target of settling into his new way of life, while not letting any potential homesickness get the better of him.

"Not too many people over here in Australia realise how big a challenge it is to come here and to not only live, but to try to play and learn a new sport," he said in the Irish Daily Mirror.

"I don't think there is any shame in our boys going home after they've tried it, but I suppose I've got it into my head that I really want to show my skills and once I get a chance, to take it and go on from there.

"I just really want to apply myself to it and if I can do that it will help me and I hope I can play a few games for the club."

McKaigue, who was involved with the Derry senior squad this year, said he chose to play for the Swans because he has relatives in the Harbour City.

"I picked Sydney because I have some relatives here and Tadhg was at the club," he explained.

"The training is more intense than back home and the ball is a different shape, but I am starting to get used to it and starting to get my head around different things such as how you play the game and what's required to be a professional sportsperson."