A new attitude and a switch in focus has propelled Luke Ryan into the AFL, with the new draftee set to make his debut for Fremantle against Collingwood this Sunday at Domain Stadium.
Ryan, 21, arrived at Fremantle as a mature age draftee with pick no.66 in the 2016 National Draft, and has overcome a series of minor injures before breaking into Freo’s 22.
The exciting defensive prospect was cut from Essendon’s VFL side prior to the 2016 season but was promptly picked up by the Coburg Lions.
Ryan played only 10 games last season but excelled enough to win the Fothergill-Round Medal as the VFL’s most promising young talent.
“I got drafted at 21, but being in carpentry and doing that since I was 16 or 17, I didn’t really follow the normal program,” Ryan said.
“I was just playing local footy for a while and I played VFL last year. I was lucky enough to get drafted from there.
“It’s a bit different but it’s probably worked out, I’d say.”
Ryan has also impressed at WAFL level, picking up 30 disposals and taking nine marks in his most recent appearance for Peel against Perth a fortnight ago.
The performance was enough to convince Freo’s coaching staff, who delivered the news to Ryan on Friday morning.
“I was told by (general manager of football operations) Chris Bond when I was doing my weights,” Ryan said.
“He pulled me into the office to see him, alongside (senior coach) Ross Lyon and (development coach) Brent Guerra.
“They told me across the table what I had to do and their expectations.”
Ryan has played and trained alongside a number of Freo’s starting 22 during his time at Peel, including Ethan Hughes, Brady Grey, Hayden Crozier, Darcy Tucker, Matt Taberner and Cam Sutcliffe.
Ryan said that he was motivated by seeing Hughes get elevated to AFL level and go on to play the following eight games.
“’Hughesy’ was playing WAFL with me and he played really well and he got rewarded,” Ryan said.
“He’s still playing to this day, so he’s been the one I’ve been watching the most.”
“I’m pretty excited and nervous but I can’t wait to run out there with all the boys. It should be good.
“I’m looking forward to joining in with the fun and, hopefully, getting the win.”
