Dashing defender Colin O’Riordan is the latest Sydney Swans youngster to have re-signed, penning a new two-year contract extension that will see him remain in red and white until at least the end of 2021.



Originally from county Tipperary in Ireland, O’Riordan joined the Swans as an international rookie in 2015, making the 17,000-kilometre move to Sydney to pursue his AFL career.



A star Gaelic footballer and hurler in his home country, O’Riordan made a seamless transition to Australian rules football, earning NEAFL Team of the Year honours in his first season on Sydney’s list in 2016.



In Round 17, 2018, O’Riordan’s hard work and thriving NEAFL form were rewarded when he was called up for his AFL debut in a six-point win against North Melbourne.



After breaking back into the senior team in Round 8 this year, the 23-year-old hasn’t looked back, playing nine games in a row and providing a wealth of drive from the backline.



Swans Head of Football Charlie Gardiner says O’Riordan’s new contract is a great reward for tireless effort.



“From the moment Colin walked into the club he had a real determination and desire to become a consistent AFL footballer,” Gardiner said.



“Colin’s such a driven and competitive person who works incredibly hard to improve each year.



“He’s gone to another level again this year and has emerged to become an important member of the team.



“We’re excited he’s joined a number of our emerging youngsters in re-signing, and we look forward to seeing what Colin can produce for the remainder of the season and in years to come.”



O’Riordan joins Callum Sinclair, Jordan Dawson, Nick Blakey, James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney and Harry Reynolds, as well as coach John Longmire, in recommitting to Sydney in 2019.



Colin O’Riordan statistics

DOB: October 12, 1995

Draft history: Pick 69, 2016 Rookie Draft

AFL debut: Round 17, 2018 v North Melbourne

Games: 13

Guernsey No. 38