Irish recruit Colin O’Riordan has felt right at home during his first two weeks at the Sydney Swans.

But it wasn’t until he received his first red and white jumper last week that his whirlwind journey from dreary Ireland to an Australian Rules Football career “has well and truly hit home”.

O’Riordan was among 10 players to be presented with their 2016 playing numbers with the 20-year-old taking over from fellow international Mike Pyke in the No. 38.

It is a move which is hoped will start a mini tradition with O’Riordan and Pyke already sharing a bond in that both have chased a career in a sport very foreign and far away from home.

The former Gaelic footballer, from Ireland’s County Tipperary, didn’t know much about the 2012 Premiership ruckman apart from the imprint he left on his teammates right up until his retirement at season’s end.

“For Mike to come from an international scene, wear the number and win the premiership it just gives me a bit of hope,” O’Riordan said.

“Everyone keeps telling me how good of a player he was, so it’s certainly something I read more into just to get a bit history behind the jumper and Pykey to see how he transitioned from Rugby to an AFL player.”

The red and white, he says, is synonymous in his home nation given Tadhg Kennelly’s impact at the Swans so to wear the colours is a dream come true.

The talented Irishman is not setting any unrealistic goals in season 2016 but knows anything could happen if he continues to work hard and build on his already impressive skillset.

“I’ve set some personal goals so it’s about acting on those as best I can,” he said.

“It’s a big change for me. I’ve got a lot to learn before I even get the chance of playing a senior game but if that chance comes I’ll be ready to take it with both hands.

“It’s going to be a tough team to break into but hopefully I’m good enough to catch the coach’s attention.”

O’Riordan signed as a Category B Rookie in October. He was named Gaelic football's Young Player of the Year in 2014 and has twice earned junior All-Ireland honours.