After making his Peel Thunder debut on Saturday, young defender Luke Ryan will be given time to work on his match fitness at WAFL level, according to senior development coach Marc Webb.
A mature age draftee, Ryan came to Fremantle in the 2016 NAB National Draft with the potential to make the jump to AFL level in 2017.
But after missing a month with an ankle injury, Ryan ran out for Peel against South Fremantle on Saturday, picking up 17 disposals, four marks and five tackles.
“Luke showed composure with some good execution by foot in defence,” Webb said.
“He will be better from getting a run in his first game of footy for nine months.”
Despite playing only 10 games for Coburg in an injury-interrupted season, Ryan won the 2016 Fothergill-Round Medal as the best player under 23 in the VFL.
Known for his clean ball use prior to the draft, Webb said Ryan has continued to develop his abilities while training against AFL level players.
“Up until he was injured he was training well with the main group,” Webb said.
“Getting to play on guys like Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters opened his eyes to the defensive side of the game.
“He’s been able to incorporate being a tight defender along with his ability to read the play and roll off and hit targets.
“I think from his first day to the point now he’s been really improving.”
“He’s just spent four or so weeks out, so he’ll have the opportunity to keep building his fitness at WAFL level.
“It’s going to be a progression. He’ll get the opportunity to build his fitness and form and get into playing regular WAFL football.”
