It was interesting that Hardwick gave him such controlled game time yesterday.
Ryan just can't get a contest in the ruck at VFA level. Miles above them. But he can certainly level up as a forward - many times in terms of his taking front position, holding position. Many times in terms of his vaulting packs.
He got a soft quarter in the ones. But he had to play three in the Magoos first. He had to work for it.
Against the raging premiership favourite he missed shots he would usually make. He will have regrets about that but his confidence in his marking will be through the roof.
I reckon things pretty much went to plan. Careful cultivation underway and progressing. At no stage did he ruck.
Ryan just can't get a contest in the ruck at VFA level. Miles above them. But he can certainly level up as a forward - many times in terms of his taking front position, holding position. Many times in terms of his vaulting packs.
He got a soft quarter in the ones. But he had to play three in the Magoos first. He had to work for it.
Against the raging premiership favourite he missed shots he would usually make. He will have regrets about that but his confidence in his marking will be through the roof.
I reckon things pretty much went to plan. Careful cultivation underway and progressing. At no stage did he ruck.