Adelaide recruit Oscar Ryan attributes his smooth transition from underage footy to life at an AFL Club to the support of his new teammates. The 18-year-old defender, drafted with Pick No. 27 in the AFL National Draft, commended the tight-knit group at West Lakes, describing it as a big family that has impressed him.
Ryan expressed gratitude to his teammates for sharing the load and aiding in his development as a Crows player. Wayne Milera and Riley Thilthorpe have been particularly influential, with Milera serving as a role model and offering valuable advice on confidence and questioning. Living with Thilthorpe has further strengthened the bond, making them significant figures in Ryan’s early experiences with the team.
As a highly skilled rebound defender known for toughness and attacking the footy, Ryan is adapting to the demands of the pre-season under fitness guru Darren Burgess. While acknowledging the challenge of Burgess’ intense running sessions, Ryan emphasized the camaraderie among the players, making the overall experience enjoyable.
Looking ahead, Ryan has set a goal to make his AFL debut this year but remains focused on improvement during the final weeks of pre-season and throughout the Crows’ SANFL campaign. He aims to contribute to the team, whether in the AFL or SANFL, and is determined to learn and adapt to the demands of both competitions.