Fremantle defender Luke Ryan is thankful to have the support of Brandon Walker in the backline, praising his younger teammate for his recent performances on some of the oppositions most dangerous forwards.
Walker has faced two of the AFL’s most in form forwards in recent weeks, playing directly on Charlie Cameron and Cody Weightman and restricting them to three goals over the two games.
Cameron had kicked 17 goals from three games going into round seven, and Ryan is hopeful of having similar support from Walker this Saturday night against Hawthorn.
Ryan told 6PR on Wednesday evening he had been preparing to play on Luke Breust, however Hawthorn have since ruled the forward out for the game, alongside Changkuoth Jiath.
“I think I’ll (play on) Breust maybe or Fergus Greene, someone like that,” Ryan told 6PR.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll play deep again and play on a few smalls, just not the quick ones. I’ll try and pass them over to Brandon Walker if I can.
“(He played well on Cameron) and even the week before on Cody Weightman, he’s getting the hardest jobs in the AFL.
“Brisbane had 62 entries and Charlie Cameron kicked a few cheapish ones but not on him.
“He’s doing a really good job and it’s good for his development to learn as well. He’s fast-tracking really nice which is good to see.”
Ryan was thrilled to see Nat Fyfe in full flight at training on Wednesday, hoping the midfielder turned forward can recover well and play his first game since round one.
“(He) dominated. He looks very good, he went through the mid and a bit of forward, did a bit of everything,” Ryan said.
“Hopefully he pulls up well tomorrow. I’m not sure what the go is but he looks very good, he was up and about. It makes us walk a lot taller knowing he’s out there.
“Even if it’s AFL or Peel, the boys will be happy to see him back. He’s a good player, good experience and a cool, calm head. It’s good to have him back.”
Ryan downplayed injury concerns for Sean Darcy and Brennan Cox, who both trained lightly on Wednesday.
“(Sean) should be fine. Just looking after the big boys. I’m sure he’ll be fine and running out there this week,” Ryan said.
“(Brennan) is all good, just light duties. They looked after him which I think is the right option as he’s a very valuable player for us. Anything they can do to look after the big fella.”
