Liam Ryan experienced a mixed return to face his former club West Coast on Sunday, booting three goals in St Kilda's 101-point victory despite a painful injury scare. The 29-year-old forward, who won a premiership with the Eagles in 2018, was helped from the ground in the second quarter after a collision with Reuben Ginbey.
The incident occurred as Ryan led for a mark on the wing, running into Ginbey who was going back with the flight. Ginbey's knee made contact with Ryan's hip, causing immediate pain. The Eagles defender showed concern, offering a pat and well wishes to his former teammate as Ryan was assisted off the field.
Encouragingly, Ryan returned late in the second term after treatment in the rooms, though he appeared sore at times. He had earlier opened the scoring with a crumbed goal in the goalsquare and added a second from a tricky angle in the third term, celebrating with a 'Spider-Man' pose. His third goal came from a free kick moments later.
The result continued a remarkable streak: every West Coast premiership player has beaten their old side in their first meeting this century, with 11 instances since 2000.
