STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Versatility
+ Reading the play
+ Follow-up work
+ Defensive pressure
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Skills
- Groundballs

Lilly-Ann Ryder is one of a number of Gold Coast Suns Academy prospects on the rise even outside those nominated for Draft Combines. A tall utility who spent most of her time in defence for the Suns and Queensland, before going forward throughout the season for Southport, Ryder is good in the air and competitive at ground level.

While still working on some fundamental elements of her game such as her skills and work below her knees, Ryder has a lot of upside which is evident upon watching her at any level. Not only does she compete well one-on-one, but she reads the play well and can peel off when required, or assist a teammate with a crucial defensive act.

Her follow-up work is very good, and her tackle numbers for a tall are also quite high. She is a player who has the talent with further development to go to another level and was rated highly internally by Queensland talent staff. One who should be on the radars of clubs outside the Sunshine State for the future.