Height: 186cm
Weight: 83kg
Position: General defender
Drafted from: Coburg VFL
DOB: 6 February 1996 (20)
Luke Ryan is an intercept marking defender from Ascot Vale in Melbourne.
A former Calder Cannon, the 20-year-old mostly played local football in 2015 for Maribyrnong Park in the EDFL before joining Coburg at the start of 2016.
Ryan started the year in the development side but quickly found himself in the seniors, debuting in round three, and taking one game to catch the attention of recruiters across the country. In his first game at VFL level against Box Hill, Luke had a remarkable 29 disposals, eight intercept marks, five contested marks, 10 rebound 50s and his 23 kicks went at 87 per cent efficiency.
Despite playing only 10 VFL games for the season, thanks to a shoulder injury that required surgery and a further issue with his ankle, Ryan won the Fothergill-Round Medal for the best player under 23 in the VFL.
Ryan has an elite ability to set up defensively, read the play quicker than his opponent and take intercept marks. Ryan led the league in intercept possessions with 9.4 a game, and was second in the league in intercept marks, averaging 4.1 a game. He is extraordinary overhead with good courage, a super set of hands and a big leap.
With a great ability to read the play, Ryan’s decision-making and vision is terrific, almost knowing what to do with the ball before he's got it.
Ryan’s kicking is also elite, going at a huge 86 per cenr efficiency by foot. He has good penetration and doesn't just go for the easy kicks. He backs himself to come in-board, hit the dangerous angle kicks and be creative.
Out of the VFL, Ryan is a serious prospect and has all the attributes you would love to have across half-back.
