Sydney is a long way from County Tipperary, but it hasn’t seemed to faze Colin O’Riordan.

The Irishman, who signed on as an International Rookie in November, has seemingly settled into the life of a professional footballer with ease despite being miles from home and leagues away from the more familiar Gaelic code.

The 20-year-old, who has twice earned All-Ireland Junior honours, hasn’t look out of place next to his more fine-tuned peers even during training drills where taming the oval-shaped ball has proven an easier task than first thought.

He has stunned the Swans' coaching staff with his ability to adapt quickly to his new surrounds.

“It’s really surprised us, it looks as if he’s been kicking an AFL ball for a long time,” senior coach John Longmire said.

“He hasn’t had much exposure to much at all in regards to AFL football.

“We actually thought we might have had to separate him from the main session at different times while working on different skills but he’s just fitted right in.”

Aside from mastering the skills component, Longmire has also been impressed with O’Riordan’s competitiveness which has come to the fore numerous times over the pre-season.

O’Riordan’s pace, decision making under pressure and goal sense are other key attributes of his game.

“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,” Longmire added.

“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.”

O’Riordan will wear the No. 38 guernsey this season following the retirement of premiership ruckman Mike Pyke.