A lot has been expected of Luke Ryan in 2020 and the defender has delivered in a big way so far.

The 187cm backman has been Freo’s defacto key defender following the injuries to 201cm Alex Pearce, 194cm Joel Hamling and 193cm Griffin Logue.

It’s meant Ryan’s focus has turned from being an intercept player to taking on some of the game’s tallest and best forwards.

Through this adversity came opportunity for Ryan and he feels he’s added another dimension to his game.

“I like the challenge. My opponents are obviously a lot bigger than me but I love it and the boys down back help me out a lot. I’m really enjoying it,” Ryan said.

“Griffin Logue was playing such good footy and for him to go down, that threw a few of us around.

“That’s the challenge in footy, we all have to take our chances and lucky enough, it’s been me and it’s been a good learning experience.

“Now I know I can play tall and small, which is another bonus.”

Fremantle’s defensive structure in their win against Collingwood in round nine earned praise from Fox Footy’s Jonathan Brown.

This is what Fremantle do really well, they just block the corridor,” said Brown

“They hold their discipline all day long so (Collingwood) just can’t get back through the corridor.”

Ryan said the work up the ground by his teammates made life easy for the back six.

“The way the forwards and mids are guarding the corridor and forcing the opposition long down the line, it makes it a lot easier for us,” Ryan said.

“We were working really tight in our back six and we’re getting better each week. For the size we are, we’re doing really well. So it’s a credit to the backline coach (Michael Prior) and Justin Longmuir.”