Luke Ryan has earned high praise from senior coach Justin Longmuir after another outstanding performance as an undersized tall defender in Fremantle’s 12-point win against Collingwood at Optus Stadium.

Ryan led Freo in a number of key statistics against the Magpies on Sunday, including disposals (25), marks (7), rebound 50s (11), metres gained (525) and intercepts (9) and was arguably best on ground in the clash.

Longmuir said Ryan had been an important player for Fremantle well beyond his recent performances, where the 24-year-old has stood tall in the absence of injured key backs Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce and Griffin Logue.

“To be honest I don’t know whether it’s just the last month,” said Longmuir in response to a journalist’s question about Ryan’s recent form.

“He’s been a pretty good player for a number of years at this club. I think his commitment to his professionalism and his want to improve his football during the week has put him in good positions to execute on gameday.”

Longmuir said Ryan brought out the best in his teammates.

“I feel like Luke is our most passionate footballer, he cares about his teammates on the field and his want to compete at every contest is a great example for all of our younger backs and all of our younger players,” Longmuir said.

“He’s going really well at the moment and I couldn’t be prouder of the way he goes about his footy.”

Longmuir added weight to the conversation around potential All Australian honours if Ryan’s outstanding form continues.

“I think so (Ryan is in All Australian form). I think he’s been our most consistent player, you just have to look at who he’s played on and who he’s competed against to get the enormity of the way he’s gone about his footy this year,” Longmuir said.

“He’s been out of his weight division a lot and he’s just competed through his positioning and his competitiveness, he’s going really well.”