After playing five AFL games, Luke Ryan was able to sing the Fremantle song with his teammates after Freo’s thrilling four-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. 

Ryan was joined by fellow first year players Sean Darcy and Brennan Cox as well as debutant Ryan Nyhuis in the middle of the huddle to celebrate their first win. 

The win broke a five game losing streak for Freo going back to their round 10 loss to Adelaide – with Ryan making his debut in round 11 against Collingwood.

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” Ryan said. 

“Obviously it’s good to get the win but I’ve never felt anything like it.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating with the boys but also getting ready for another big game next week (against West Coast).”

Ryan picked up a career high 15 disposals and seven marks while also laying five tackles as a part of Freo’s backline.

A strong contested mark in the third term was Ryan’s most crucial contribution to the game in a quarter where Freo’s defenders limited North’s dominance to just two goals for the term. 


Luke Ryan's strong grab in the third term

“I felt like it was probably my strongest performance so far,” Ryan said.

“I try and grow from every game and learn everything I can from the week before. If I can keep learning every game I’m confident I’ll keep improving from here.”

The 21-year-old was one of 10 Freo players with 30 games of experience or less against North Melbourne and he paid tribute to a fellow young defender in Nyhuis.

Coming in a late change for David Mundy to make his debut, Nyhuis was thrown forward and kicked four goals while playing a defensive role on North’s Robbie Tarrant.

“That just proves that it doesn’t matter where you play, if you can play footy you can play footy anywhere,” Ryan said of Nyhuis. 

“As (senior coach) Ross (Lyon) told us, Ryan (Nyhuis) deserved his spot – he probably deserved to be in the side earlier. 

“It just shows how mentally tough he is, as when a spot came open he showed earned it and he deserves to stay in.”