The Irishman was in Wagga on Monday as part of the Sydney Swans’ AFL Community Camp, battling the ‘hot’ conditions alongside Harry Cunningham.

The 22-year-old is entering his third season in Australia and wants to make 2018 the year he makes his AFL debut.

“Without doubt that’s the goal. That’s the goal when I came and it hasn’t changed,” O’Riordan said.

“I want to play AFL footy and that’s what’s on my mind at the minute and I don’t think it will ever change until I actually crack in and have a game of AFL footy.

“I’m just hoping to get the opportunity this year and hopefully when I get the opportunity, I won’t be giving it back.

“That’s the plan at the minute.”

O’Riordan made giant strides in his first season with Sydney, then struggled with injury last year. He is doing everything he can to ensure he makes the AFL.

“Obviously I’m always learning and always trying to improve my game,” he said.

“The way I look at it as though these boys have had a 10-year head start on me so I have to catch up on them at some stage.

“I’m just trying to do extras, as much as I can, having the footy in your hand walking around, engrossing yourself fully in the game is what I try to do, there’s no secret to it, just hard work.”

The hard-running defender enjoyed his first glimpse of Wagga.

“It’s a bit hotter than Sydney, which I didn’t think was possible,” he said.

“It’s fine, as long as their is plenty of shade and a bit of suncream I’ll be laughing. 

“Wagga seems great, all the kids are really engaging, everyone is really nice here.”