Liam Ryan's highly anticipated first match against the club he won a premiership with took an unexpected turn, as the high-flying forward was temporarily sidelined following a collision with Reuben Ginbey.
The incident occurred during the second quarter of Sunday's clash against West Coast, when Ryan was leading up to the wing to attempt a mark. As he moved to take the high ball, he ran into Ginbey, who was tracking back with the flight of the ball. The Saints forward was immediately in pain after Ginbey's knee made contact with what appeared to be his hip.
Ryan required assistance to leave the ground, with the Eagles defender showing great concern by wandering over to offer a pat and well wishes for his former teammate. Encouragingly, Ryan returned to the field late in the second term after going down to the rooms for treatment, though he appeared to be sore at times.
This came after Ryan had a dream start to his match-up against the club he departed last off-season. The 29-year-old kicked the game's opening goal after a crumb at the top of the goalsquare, and he could have added a second had a set-shot attempt not drifted astray.
Ryan is looking to continue a remarkable streak of every West Coast premiership player beating their old side in their first meeting this century, with all 10 previous players saluting.
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