Liam Ryan has wasted no time in taking to the skies for his new club, with the former Eagle producing an early Mark of the Year contender in St Kilda’s clash with Melbourne.
WATCH IT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
Ryan launched onto the shoulders of Changkuoth Jiath on the MCG wing in the third quarter of Sunday’s clash, and while the ball spilled out upon his return to the ground, he did enough to be paid the grab.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ryan rises for the grab. Credit: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos
The superb effort may have come at a cost, however, with the 2018 premiership Eagle sporting a heavily-strapped right shoulder after appearing to injure it while landing.
Ryan on top of Jiath. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Ryan’s knock was tested out early in the final term, with the forward crunched in a tackle by Melbourne’s Daniel Turner and looking sore in the aftermath.
The 29-year-old has history when it comes to classic grabs against the Demons. He snared the 2019 Mark of the Year when he launched on top of Max Gawn in the western goalsquare at Optus Stadium, to the delight of a packed West Coast crowd.
Ryan marks over Gawn in 2019. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos
Melbourne have been the opposing club for five Mark of the Year efforts this century – the most of any club.
Sam Darcy was awarded the prize against the Demons last year, with Isaac Heeney (2018), Matthew Lloyd (2008) and Ashley Sampi (2004) all doing the same across the past quarter-of-a-decade.
