Young Coburg defender a lock to find a home at the elite level after an eye-catching VFL campaign
Written by the Moreland Leaders Chris Cavanagh, published 21st of November.
Coburg defender Luke Ryan is set to become the VFL club’s third AFL draftee in as many years on Friday night after an eyecatching season. COBURG is set to have its third AFL draftee in as many years later this week with interest in defender Luke Ryan “off the scales”.
The 20-year-old could be snapped up as early as the first round of the AFL National Draft on Friday, with all 18 clubs having spoken to the Ascot Vale resident, most on several occasions.
Ryan — who is listed at 185cm and 82kg — is described as a “natural footballer” who is an elite kick, strong overhead and reads the play exceptionally well.
He averaged 19 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, six marks and six rebound-50s across 10 VFL games in his first season with the Lions this year, which was cut short when he suffered a dislocated shoulder in Round 18.
“It’s not if, it’s where,” Coburg general manager Craig Lees said of Ryan’s draft chances.
“He could be anywhere, I guess from pick 20 to pick 40. That’s the range that the AFL recruiters are thinking he’ll fall in.
“He’ll be off to a club and Luke’s not too fussed if it’s interstate or Melbourne.
“I think he’s just excited for an opportunity to get that chance.”
Ryan has been restricted to stints in the pool and leg work since having shoulder surgery but is expected to be back running before Christmas and will be fit to take to the field during the AFL’s pre-season competition next year.
Lees said questions had been raised over why Ryan walked out on Calder Cannons midway through his TAC Cup top-age year in 2015 and went back to play local football with Maribyrnong Park but said his commitment since joining Coburg had been first class.
“All we can say is about our dealings with Luke in his time with Coburg and he embraced our program and he was diligent with his footy,” Lees said. “We give Luke a big tick for his character and his footy ability is as good as there is.”
Ryan won the FothergillRound Medal for the VFL’s most promising talent under 23 years old this year and would be the 11th winner of that award to graduate to the AFL ranks if selected on Friday.
Coburg midfielder Robbie Fox has also attracted some strong interest ahead of the draft, while ruckman Tom Goodwin and onballer Ben Allan are on the radars of some clubs.
Midfielder Ozgur Uysal could be picked as a Category B Rookie while forward Ahmed Saad — who previously played 33 games with St Kilda — has fielded some interest after booting a VFLhigh 49 majors during the 2016 campaign.
