Ryan relishes “awesome” representative experience
DANDENONG midfielder Charley Ryan is one of six Stingrays included in this year’s Vic Country talent hub, and a taste of representative action in 2021 has proven to be a terrific learning tool.
The 17-year-old impressed across her eight NAB League Girls outings as a bottom-ager last year, averaging 11.3 disposals and 3.8 tackles after making her league debut in 2020. It was enough to earn an Under 17 Vic Country nod, and eventual hub selection this year – both “awesome” experiences for the promising prospect.
“(Representative football) is definitely different to NAB League level but it was a good experience to play with some different girls that we usually play against,” Ryan said.
“It’s been awesome with the camp and everything this year, getting to know the girls… (like) Keeley Skepper from Murray and Octavia Di Donato from Bendigo.”
Having cut her teeth on the wing for large parts of 2021, Ryan is now looking forward to mixing up her role as season 2022 rolls on. While her greatest strengths are seen on the outer, the balanced midfielder is working on gaining “confidence” and “fundamental” skills to aide her transition to the inside.
“I’ll be thrown around a bit,” Ryan said. “But mostly playing wing probably and also forward with a crack in the middle as well.
“I think my run-and-carry (is a strength). “Taking the ball out wide and using my legs, and just reading the play as well.”
Dandenong, which boasts one of the more stacked NAB League squads this year, started its latest campaign with an impressive 49-point win over Geelong Falcons on the road. As the Stingrays’ season rolls on towards a clash with Gippsland in Round 2, Ryan said she is looking for consistency along her top-age journey.
“My goal is just having a consistent season, hopefully getting drafted as well is the main (one),” she said. “Also, getting along with the team and the team playing well too.”
The Stingrays’ next bout is set to go down at 12:00pm on Saturday afternoon, with Ryan among those out to impress after her 15-disposal effort in Round 1.
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