Any Tipperary football fans hoping to see Colin O'Riordan back in the county jersey any time soon are set to be disappointed because he's 'absolutely loving' the life of a professional Aussie Rules player.

The Irish import has created a big impression since arriving at the Syndey Swans and he outlined his AFL ambitions in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.

"There's no point saying it's not difficult," O'Riordan remarked. "While people say that Gaelic is like AFL, it's actually a completely different sport with different structures, different everything. It's up to me to learn it.

"I've set myself some personal goals for the year ahead. But at the minute I'm just absolutely loving being here, loving the whole experience. Obviously I want to play senior footy. You don't come out here to play in the NEAFL, as good as it is.

"I'm here to play in the AFL. Hopefully when the coaches think I'm ready I'll take the opportunity with both hands."

The 20-year-old counts Tadhg Kennelly as a neighbour and when asked if he was surprised by O'Riordan's progress in the Swans reserves, Kennelly answered: "Not really.

"To look at him playing, you'd really think he grew up with the game. It's incredible the way he's taken to it."

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