Sydney Swans defender Colin O’Riordan last week admitted the news of his debut hadn’t yet sunk in, saying it wouldn’t hit him until he arrived at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
And hit him it did, with the young Irishman saying the Roos clash made for a “special” occasion.
“It was pretty exciting,” O’Riordan told SwansTV post-match.
“I would have taken any win and to get a win like that against a quality opposition was pretty special.
“To have mum and dad here and my brother and girlfriend makes it even more special.”
O’Riordan’s story has captivated the hearts and minds of Swans fans and the wider Australian rules football community, with the 22-year-old journeying from a remote Irish village in county Tipperary to pick the lock on the AFL.
He had hardly touched a Sherrin before attending the 2015 AFL draft combine and said last week he “had no clue” on his first trip to Australia.
But the third-year Swan got his chance off the back of eye-catching form in the NEAFL and found his groove with ease on AFL debut.
He collected 19 disposals, 10 intercept possessions and eight marks, while his rebound off half-back, ball use by hand and foot, reading of the play and defensive pressure were crucial to the win.
O’Riordan said playing alongside a number of experienced Swans calmed his butterflies.
“I was a bit nervous running out for my debut but when you have the likes of Dane Rampe and Nick Smith in the backline to reassure you it makes it a lot easier,” O’Riordan said.
The youngster had the best seat in the house for star Sydney forward Lance Franklin’s 900th career goal.
Franklin rammed home a set shot from the 50-metre arc to bring up the milestone, and O’Riordan says he’s in awe of the four-time Coleman Medallist.
“Obviously he’s a special player,” O’Riordan said.
“Ever since I came to the Club the stuff I’ve seen him do is just freakish.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement to kick 900 goals and no more than he deserves.”
