Liam Ryan: Former West Coast Eagles Star Produces Early Mark of the Year Contender for New Club St Kilda
liam ryan wasted no time making a statement for his new club, launching onto the shoulders of Changkuoth Jiath on the MCG wing in the third quarter to take a spectacular mark that was paid despite the ball spilling on the return to ground. The grab doubled as an early Mark of the Year contender, but Ryan headed to the bench sore after a heavy landing and finished the match with a heavily-strapped right shoulder.
Liam Ryan Paid The Mark But Left The Field Sore
The leap came in the third quarter when Ryan climbed onto the opponent’s shoulders to reel in the ball. Although the ball spilled when he hit the turf, the effort was deemed a valid grab and was paid by the umpires. The spectacular aerial finished with Ryan leaving play to have his right shoulder assessed and heavily strapped, suggesting the landing had taken a toll.
Ryan’s knock was tested again early in the final term when he was crunched in a tackle by Daniel Turner and looked sore in the aftermath. The forward’s immediate condition after that sequence was not specified, but the heavy strapping and the late-game tackle underlined that the mark may have come at a physical cost.
Context: A Player With A History Of Spectacular Grabs Against Melbourne
The 29-year-old has a known history of high-flying grabs, having won the 2019 Mark of the Year when he launched on top of Max Gawn in the western goalsquare at Optus Stadium. His early effort for St Kilda adds to a notable pattern: Melbourne has been the opposing club for five Mark of the Year efforts this century, the most of any club.
Other recent winners against Melbourne include Sam Darcy, who was awarded the prize last year, and Isaac Heeney in 2018. Earlier century winners against the Demons include Matthew Lloyd in 2008 and Ashley Sampi in 2004. Ryan’s new-club speccy continues that run of memorable aerials featuring Melbourne as the opponent.
Ryan’s attempt served as an immediate highlight for St Kilda, but the heavy landing and subsequent strapping mean further updates on his condition will be watched closely by the club and supporters. The mark itself will be judged on its place among early contenders for the season’s top aerial honours.
