Sydney coach John Longmire has cautioned against the rising expectations accompanying Irish recruit Tommy Walsh’s arrival at the AFL club.

Walsh, a former county Kerry teammate of ex-Swan Tadhg Kennelly, was signed by St Kilda in October 2009 as an international rookie.

The key position player successfully sought out a trade to Sydney at the end of the 2011 season after failing to play one AFL game under ex-Saints coach Ross Lyon.

Longmire has already said opportunities will be there for Walsh, who he sees as a swingman capable of playing at both ends of the ground.

Walsh’s AFL debut is yet to come but with Kennelly’s No.17 on his back and no shortage of promise, already the spotlight is on a player viewed as a potential game-breaker.

Much to Longmire’s discomfort.

“My expectations aren’t anywhere near as great as what some outsiders’ expectations are,” Longmire told AAP.

“He hasn’t played a senior game of AFL football … so he’s still got a bit to learn.

“I think you’ve got to be realistic in him being able to have an impact for us this year.”

Longmire confirmed Walsh’s versatility was as appealing as his athleticism and 193cm frame.

“We’ve lost some significant key position players over the last few years.

“So we needed to bolster both areas of the ground, forward and back, and we think that Tommy can do that.”

Longmire also warned the red and white faithful not to expect too much from Sam Reid, one of the most talented young key forwards in the league.

Reid’s breakthrough season caught the eye of plenty in 2011, and even Longmire can see why some think the `Samsation’ hype is well-founded.

“He’s a tall player, is lightning quick and takes good marks. So I can understand (it) when you look at him along those lines.

“He’s got some real potential as a player.

“But I think everyone has got to be mindful that he’s still a few years away from playing his best footy.”

An inaccurate haul of 22.26 was the biggest blemish of Reid’s strong 2011 season, but Longmire is unconcerned.

“He’s worked on it really hard over the pre-season, but he’s worked on all aspects of his game,” he said.

“As much as the coaches work with him, as hard as he works on his own game – and he’s extremely disciplined – it’ll still take some time to work through a few things.

“And if he plays his role, even without kicking the goals or taking the marks, and we’re able to win, then we’ll be happy.”