Bodie Ryan warms up before his debut match against the Fremantle Dockers.
Photo by
RICHARD WAINWRIGHT
Hawthorn debutant Bodie Ryan’s connections to the Goulburn Valley run deeper than a first glance might indicate.
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Ryan is the son of ex-Tatura player Richie Ryan and nephew of three-time Bulldogs flag star Steve, while former Shepparton premiership player Col Scripps is the grandfather of the newly unveiled cog in Sam Mitchell’s line-up.
After being plucked from the SANFL with pick 46 in 2023, a patient Ryan’s recent run of form for Box Hill saw the young defender handed his debut against Fremantle, showing some good moments in a hot Optus Stadium cauldron.
The Hawks ultimately saw their 15-point three-quarter-time buffer reversed at the final siren in one of the games of the season.
The in-form Ryan could be tough to keep out of the squad, and Tatura legend and grand-uncle Jon Ryan said it could be a full bus to the MCG if the young Hawks star keeps his spot for the clash against Melbourne.
His cousin Jakob could also threaten a return to Collingwood’s senior line-up after some stellar VFL form.
Mansfield's Jack Marks made his Collingwood VFL debut at the weekend.
In the same vein, another GV-linked star took their first steps into the VFL.
Mansfield’s Jack Marks traded the Eagles jumper for the black and white variety, earning his debut for Collingwood’s State league side taking on Geelong at Victoria Park.
The Murray Bushrangers graduate donned the #79 jumper and toiled hard in the Pies defeat to the Cats.
It carries on a significant Pies-Mansfield link that also seen brothers Max and Harry Mahoney feature for Collingwood.
In the AFL, it took another big effort from Goulburn Valley products Lachie Ash and Clayton Oliver to help their GWS Giants avoid a shock upset to Essendon, Ash collecting 24 disposals and nine marks in the comeback 14-point win and ‘Clarry’ prominent with 26 touches.
Seymour’s Sam Durham also left nothing in the tank for the Bombers with 26 disposals and eight clearances.
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