International recruit Colin O'Riordan says Tadhg Kennelly’s know-how will prove vital during what’s hopefully a smooth transition from Gaelic Football to Australian Rules.

The 20-year-old, who hails from Irish county Tipperary, was signed on as a two-year International Category B Rookie during the recent exchange period with head of recruiting Kinnear Beatson impressed with his natural ability and competitiveness.

O’Riordan, who arrived in Sydney on Monday, will join the first- to fourth-year players on November 23 for day one of preseason training.

It was around this time 16 years ago when a raw Kennelly joined the Swans’ ranks for his first gruelling preseason campaign.

Lacking the skillset but with speed and athleticism on his side, Kennelly went on to enjoy a stellar career with the Swans which included playing a part in the 2005 Premiership to become one of the best Irish converts in AFL history.

Advice from the County Kerry prodigy will only bode well for O’Riordan who grew up watching highlights of Kennelly and AFL football on the television at home.

“The last time I was over Tadhg was like a father to me so I have nothing but high praise for Tadhg,” O’Riordan said.

“If I achieve half the success that he achieved then I will be going well.”

O'Riordan was greeted to warm and sunny conditions on his first day in Sydney, a far cry from the condition he left back in a wintery Ireland.

New housemates Allir Aliir and Harry Marsh have already made him feel right at home which will help ahead of a tough four months on the training track in preparation for the 2016 season.

O’Riordan knows nothing will be guaranteed so the dual All-Ireland winner and Gaelic’s Young Player of the Year was looking forward to getting stuck into training and earning the respect of his new teammates.

“I have nerves of excitement more than anything. You want to show that you are here for a reason,” O’Riordan said.

“It is a new game but I want to show everyone that I can adapt to a new game so that is the big thing for me trying to impress everyone.”

“It is anticipation of just wanting to show everyone why you were picked.”

Similar to Kennelly, Beatson envisages the 187cm O’Riordan will play as a running defender.