There will be an extra motivation for some Fremantle players to perform in round one, with the clash against Adelaide on 20 March at Adelaide Oval also set to be when many interstate players are reunited with their families post game.
Freo’s interstate players have had to make plenty of sacrifices since the 2020 season, with many staying in WA throughout the past two off-seasons.
Ryan said he couldn’t wait to have the chance to play in front of his family, especially his ‘harshest critic’ in his mum.
“I’m very excited. I get to see my family as they’re going to come down to Adelaide, and Coxy’s (Brennan Cox) parents as well,” Ryan said.
“I’ll be stoked to see them and the footy will be another bonus on top of that. My Mum is my harshest critic so if I don’t play well I’ll probably cop an earful and she won’t come and watch me again!”
Even with the recent shoulder injury to Nathan Wilson, Ryan said he’s thrilled with Fremantle’s current depth, meaning he won’t have to play as a key defender as he did throughout his All Australian 2020 season.
“Thank God! It’s good we’ve got a few key boys out there which is handy,” Ryan said.
“Hopefully everyone stays fit and we’ve got a really strong spine, so that will help us leading into the pointy end of the year.
“I’ll still play wherever the coach wants me. It could be back pocket, half back or playing that third tall. I’m happy we’ve got a lot of options down there.
“It’s going to be hard (without Wilson), hopefully he’s only out for a couple weeks, I’m not sure.
“There’ll be a few boys tough to miss out but good footy clubs have (depth) so we’re really pumped to have that.”
Fremantle trained at Optus Stadium on Thursday 10 days out from round one, and are set to have a match simulation at the ground this Sunday.
“It’s nice weather, the boys are up and about and it’s always nice to train here at our home ground,” Ryan said.
“We’re going to play a few games here earlier in the year, so it’s really good to get a feel of the ground and the boys are happy coming out here.
“Sunday is going to be a really solid session. It’s going to be physical and like a pre-season game pretty much. It will be good and the boys are ready to go down to Adelaide for round one.
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