Defender Luke Ryan couldn’t be happier to be playing his footy in WA with Fremantle.
Ryan is going from strength to strength in his fourth AFL season, with some media commentators touting the 24-year-old as a potential All Australian based on his 2020 form.
He earned a perfect 10 coaches votes from Freo’s win against Collingwood in round nine where he led Freo for disposals, marks, rebound 50s, intercepts and metres gained.
Ryan was taken late in the 2016 NAB AFL National Draft as a mature age pick. At the time, Ryan was an apprentice carpenter and playing his football at the Coburg Lions in the VFL, and felt his AFL dream was fading.
“Freo gave me the chance. I didn’t think I was going to get drafted,” Ryan said.
“They took me at pick no.66 and I honestly thought that was my last chance.
“What they’ve done for me, they’ve made me more mature and I’ve got great mates here.
“I love WA, it’s so nice and quiet and beautiful weather. I love every bit about it and I love this club.”
Ryan said he has been worrying about his family back in Victoria during the Covid-19 pandemic, but was quick to add that many are going through tougher times.
“It’s a very tough time for Victorians. I’m staying in touch with my Mum and Dad and we’re FaceTiming every day,” Ryan said.
“It’s really hard but there’s a lot people over there who are worse off, so I’m trying to stay in contact and check in on them every day.
“Mum and Dad usually come over a fair bit. Mum loves it over here, she comes over about six times a year. She’s a bit upset that she can’t come over as she’s down in Melbourne. I’m sure next year they’ll be over a fair bit.”
