Liam Ryan, a 22-year-old Yamatiji man from Geraldton, Western Australia, is poised to make his AFL debut with the West Coast Eagles after being selected as the 26th pick in the 2017 national draft. The forward, who previously played for the Subiaco Lions in the WAFL, moved 430 kilometres to Perth in 2016 to pursue his football career.
Ryan acknowledged that his focus wavered during his first WAFL season in 2016, but the birth of his daughter has helped him settle down. 'I always grew up around footballers, so I always wanted to play in an AFL club — that’s my dream,' he told NITV News.
Despite being a Hawthorn supporter as a child, Ryan was drafted by the Eagles in the second round. He won the WAFL's Bernie Naylor Medal in 2017 after kicking 73 goals in 23 games and also claimed Mark of the Year with four nominations.
Ryan said he feels no pressure as a role model for Indigenous youth. 'I looked up to a lot of boys, my uncle and my dad when I was growing up. It will be good to be a role model for kids around WA and Australia.'
Living just four hours from his country has helped him avoid homesickness, a common issue for Indigenous players. 'Most of my family comes down. My nan and pop come down and watch me play,' he said.
Ryan's advice to aspiring Indigenous footballers is simple: 'Kick the footy, play how you’re playing and work hard.' The Eagles begin their season against the Sydney Swans on March 25.
