Sydney Swans defender Colin O’Riordan addressed the media ahead of training at Lakeside Oval on Wednesday morning.
The Irishman is set to remain in red and white until at least the end of season 2021 after penning a new two-year contract.
Sydney is steeling itself for a clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday night.
Here are some key quotes from the press conference.
How it felt to re-sign
“It’s a pretty special moment to me. If you had told me when I first came over that after four years I’d have two more years it’d be hard to believe. It’s an absolutely unbelievable feeling. Ever since I came to the club I’ve loved the club, loved everything about it and loved everyone at the club, and I want to repay the faith the club has shown in me. I love everything about the place and I am absolutely ecstatic.”
Influence of Tadhg Kennelly
“He knows what it’s about. He’s been through the whole process and to have him to go to for advice and ask for his thoughts on his journey has been unbelievable. It’s massive to have Tadhg.”
Lure of AFL footy
“The opportunity to play professional sport was massive. The GAA is an unbelievable organisation and I absolutely loved playing Gaelic football, but at the end of the day it’s not professional. I want to be testing myself against the best and over here you have the opportunity to test yourself against elite athletes, test yourself against professional sportspeople and see what the professional sporting lifestyle is like. I wanted to test myself in a new sport and in a professional environment and see how far I can get.”
Ties with other Irish talent in the AFL
“I have a bit of contact with a lot of them – the likes of Conor McKenna from Essendon and Darragh Joyce from St Kilda. I came over and trialled with Darragh Joyce initially and I stay in contact with him. We’re all a pretty tight-knit community. I didn’t really play any Gaelic football with or against any of them because we left at such a young age and at different times, but since we’ve all been here we’ve met up a lot.”
Last 12 months
“It’s been unbelievable. The contract is a cherry on top. The last 12 months have been an absolute rollercoaster. I’ve loved every minute of it. This club gave me an unbelievable opportunity and I want to repay the faith, which is what drives me. I came over initially to play AFL football and last year I got the chance, and now I’ve been given another two years which is the cherry on top.”
Facing the Dockers in Perth
“It’ll be an unbelievable experience – I’m sure. I haven’t played in Perth before and to play in the new stadium will be pretty special.”
