It only took two permit games for Strathmerton raised teenager Matt Ryan in 2016 to know where he wanted to carve out the next chapter of his bright football career this season.
Ryan says the lure of joining the Bears who were coached by Brad Campbell was an easy one for him.
“I heard that Brad was a really good coach and I heard a lot about “Chips” (Rob McCartney) and what sort of coach he is as well, Ryan said.
“I had also heard that they were a very young team which is something that excited me.”
The 17-year-old said another factor that influenced his decision was the fact his sister Laura was playing netball at the club.
After making his name with the Picola League Bulldogs as a junior and then in the senior team for the past two-and-a-bit years, he knew he was ready to step up to Goulburn Valley League footy.
“I made my debut in round one and it was a big game against Shepparton United who are obviously our arch rivals,” he said.
“I was pretty nervous and scared at the same time, but once I got one or two kicks I started to feel comfortable.”
Ryan says he has thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the season, playing in a variety of positions and he is looking forward to taking up the challenge of improving his game in the back half of the year.
“Brad would like to see me become more of a runner and running both ways. He is also keen to see me be more efficient with ball in hand and pick the right contests to go to,” he said.
The young gun is currently completing Year 12 at St Mary’s of the Angels in Nathalia.
Last Modified on 04/08/2017 21:10