Injury-hit Colin O'Riordan calls time on AFL career

Colin O'Riordan has decided to end his AFL career at the end of this season due to ongoing injury issues.

The brilliant Tipperary footballer, who won a Munster SFC medal with his native county last year, has been restricted to five appearances for the Sydney Swans in this campaign, largely due to a hip injury.

He made 34 career AFL appearances for the Swans since joining the set-up in 2015 and making his debut three years later.

During his seven years at the Sydney outfit, O’Riordan has had to overcome a number of serious injuries, including an eye wound this year.

He signed a contract extension in 2021, but it is a sustained hip problem that has formed the basis for the defender to decide to finish his time as a professional player down under.

O'Riordan was picked up by the Swans on a rookie contract and, seven years on, he remains highly valued at the club.

Just last season he won the Clubman of the Year award at Swans with their General Manager, Charlie Gardiner, saying: "O'Riordan is a valued presence both on and off the field at the club. Despite battling injury this year his character never wavered as an exceptional person and valued teammate, and this was evident when he was awarded the 2021 Barry Round Best Clubman."

The 2015 draftee broke through for his AFL debut in Round 17, 2018 and has made a huge impression on the club - both on and off the field.

He featured in 12 senior games in 2019 and quickly earned a reputation as a defender who could shut down tall and small forwards - and run with and carry the ball.

Next Friday, 2 September, Sydney take on Melbourne in the second qualifying final of the 2022 AFL Final Series, but O’Riordan will not be able to play any role in that game in what has been an immensely