Meet our Round Nine Men’s Rising Star Nominee, Tom Ryan, Sydney University

Player Profile:

Name: Tom Ryan

Nickname: Tommy

Junior Club: Port Macquarie

AFL Sydney Club: Sydney University AFC

Position: Key Forward

 

 

What is one thing we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club?

Tom’s got the best set of hands in AFL Sydney and has impressed with his contested marking, skills and defensive work-rate since he’s come back from Swans Academy and VFL duties.

 

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field?

Tom’s come down from Port Macquarie to focus on his footy this year and has become an important member of our senior squad very quickly. He’s a bit of a gentle giant off-field and lets his footy do the talking, kicking 9 goals and taking 12 contested marks in his first two Prems games.

 

Reason for nomination this round:

Tom was excellent against St George, with 28 touches, 11 marks and seven goals. He rarely got beaten in the air and kicked goals from every part of the 50 and in every way you can think, showing great versatility in his forward craft and his immense work-rate.

 

Coach quote on Performance:

“Tommy dominated his matchups in the air on Saturday and proved an impossible task for opposition defenders. He’s slotted in seamlessly to our forward line and proved a major point of difference in our past two games. It’s a pleasure having Tommy play for us, not just because of his talent and work ethic, but because he’s so coachable and such a good communicator for a 19 year-old. I’m excited to see where his footy takes him next.” – Tim Spehr – Men’s Premier Division Head Coach, Sydney University