Northern Bullants forward Brandon Ryan is intent on landing a spot on an AFL list via the upcoming Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
The 25-year-old, spent two years with North Melbourne’s VFL side a few years ago, is playing some solid footy with the Bullants in 2023 and is hoping that leads to an opportunity at the elite level.
Ryan, who stands at 200cm, has kicked 18.10 from seven matches this year, as well as averaging 14 disposals and five marks.
He says he has spoken to one AFL club - Hawthorn - but admits the Hawks gave very little away in regards to their plans for the mid-season draft on May 31.
“I’ve sat down with one club so far,” Ryan told SEN’s Sportsday.
“There’s been numerous clubs chasing GPS data and trying to get a hold of everything before they start making a few calls to me, which hopefully will come during this week.
“It was Hawthorn. They don’t give away too much, these recruiters.”
While Ryan, the Melbourne supporter, has interest from the Hawks, he will go anywhere around the country for an AFL chance.
“I’ll take absolutely anywhere to be honest,” he added.
“I’ve got no idea and I don’t even think clubs know who they’re picking at this stage.
“It’s a bit chaotic, the mid-season draft. I’ll go anywhere.”
Ryan describes himself as “pretty versatile” and not your “conventional 200cm player” in that he is agile, loves to take a mark, but is also good below his knees.
He says he has learnt plenty from his cousin Luke Ryan, who has played over 100 games and won a best and fairest for Fremantle since being drafted out of Coburg’s VFL side in 2016.
Brandon uses Luke’s story as an example of something he can aspire to.
“Probably more immediate to me is my cousin, Luke,” Ryan said further.
“His story wasn’t too dissimilar to mine that he went through the VFL program. He might have got picked up when he was 21, so I’m a few years past him, but he’s one that went the longer way around.
“He hasn’t looked back since he played his first game.
“We try to catch up when we can, we’re always texting when we can and he’s always giving me little bits of advice, especially leading into now and this year.”
This is Ryan’s first season at Preston City Oval having made the move from Essendon District Football League (EDFL) club Maribyrnong Park late last year.
AFL Media is reporting that “more than a handful of AFL clubs” are showing interest in Ryan.