STRENGTHS:

+ Intercept game
+ Overhead marking
+ Reading the play
+ Rebounding
+ Toughness

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Ground balls
- Endurance

Among Ryan's best and most prominent attributes is his intercept ability. With sound reading of the play, a strong set of hands and enough guts to play in the hole, the defender's aerial range is terrific. Across 12 SANFL Under 18 games, he averaged 5.3 marks, 9.1 intercepts and 4.3 spoils as a balanced allayer of opposition attacks.

Ryan's defensive versatility also lends to his intercept prowess. As proven when he was sent to Harley Reid in South Australia's win over Vic Country, the 187cm defender is capable of roaming as a third-up marker or playing lockdown roles. He holds up strongly in one-on-one duels and times his aerial efforts to either force a turnover or kill the ball.

In addition to reading the play and positioning well without possession, Ryan is also comfortable with ball in hand. He's the type of distributor who can launch attacks off the last line, albeit if that's something he can further enhance. Ryan went by foot 65 per cent of the time this year, helping build averages of 3.8 rebound 50s and 3.2 score involvements.

While many of his strengths are observed aerially and in the way of defensive rigidity, Ryan can improve on some of his ground level attributes. In particular, he may look to strengthen his handling below his knees and look to stay involved with tackling pressure. Though, he's the type of solid player who simply does so few things wrong.

As far as future scope goes, Ryan can obviously play a variety of roles down back but may also explore his versatility with opportunities further afield. He's a good all-round athlete, demonstrating as much at the recent National Draft Combine, and has developable traits.