Rival clubs on “high alert” for contracted Eagle

Rival clubs are believed to be on “high alert” for West Coast forward Liam Ryan.

Channel Nine journalist and SEN’s Tom Morris is reporting that the Eagles would be open to exploring a potential trade for the 27-year-old premiership player.

Ryan is under contract until the end of 2026 so any interested club would have to stump up something attractive if the Eagles were to consider it.

Morris understands that West Coast will be “aggressive” this off-season as they strive to fast track their stuttering rebuild.

“He’s got two years to run on a contract. He’s got a young family in Perth,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.

“So it has surprised a few people that there have been some reports, not just from me, but also (AFL Media’s) Cal Twomey over the past month or so around his future.

“The reality with him is West Coast would explore anything that would make their list management more useful.

“Clubs are on high alert that he could be available. It is a bit of a surprise give he’s an All-Australian and premiership player.

“I think at the Eagles there are only two or three players off limits and that’s probably Liam Duggan, Oscar Allen and Harley Reid. For everyone else (it might be), ‘give us your best offer and see what we can do with it’.

“I don’t think anything (else) is off limits. They’re going to be aggressive.”

Morris further reported on Nine on Wednesday night that list management from rival clubs believe a multi-year deal could persuade Ryan to depart the Eagles and Perth.

“I’ve spoken to four list managers in the last 48 hours who believe a three-plus year contract could tempt the 27-year-old,” Morris said.

“Rival clubs believe West Coast would consider trade approaches for pretty much any player, aside from an obvious couple, to accelerate its rebuild and bring draft picks in.

“Trading him (Ryan) is not out of the question.”

Ryan has played 103 games in blue and gold, kicking 136 goals.

He has played 14 games in 2024 for 13 goals while averaging 12 disposals.