Sydney Swans Irish recruit Tommy Walsh has spoken diplomatically about his hopes for making his AFL senior debut.
The Kerryman’s agonising wait for an AFL debut has been frustrated further in recent weeks after twice being named in an extended squad and twice being overlooked.
In an interview on the club’s website, Walsh said he believed he was “that bit closer to playing” senior footy.
“(Being named) is a sign of the work I’ve put in and a step in the right direction, but ultimately I still haven’t played but am just that bit closer to playing,” he said.
“I’ve been (in Australia) two years now, so I’m hoping to continue to develop and keep that knowledge up all the time and just learn to do the right thing all the time instead of those silly little Irish things I might do sometimes.
“Every player learns from every game he plays and for someone like me, the more you play the more you learn and the more experience you get.”
The All Ireland medal winner, who was traded to the Swans from St Kilda in 2011, has impressed in the reserves this season and has been a regular goal-kicker for the side.
But despite his impressive start to the year, Walsh said his main focus for the season is to continue to progress and develop even further as a player.
“That’s the biggest thing for me,” he said.
“I’d like to think my game has been progressing over the last couple of weeks and I’ve been named in a couple of squads, so it’s just about making that next step now.
“For me it’s about continuing to play well in the reserves and hopefully when the chance comes I’ll be ready and fit and able to take it.”
This weekend, the unbeaten Swans take on the Adelaide Crows at the SCG.
Walsh was one of the Swans reserves forward targets in last weekend’s clash with 2011 NEAFL premiers NT Thunder.
Despite the Swans holding a 17-point lead at the final change, inaccuracy saw the Thunder storm home to a 22-point win.
Walsh said playing in Darwin’s hot and humid conditions was also a challenge for the reserves side.
“It was very warm,” he said.
“We went outside and we were sweating straight away.
“When I came to Australia I didn’t think of playing football in places like Darwin, but it was a good experience and good for the team’s fitness.”
