The remarkable career of Paddy Ryan Junior started in 1932, at the age of 15.
Although he was a slightly built teenager, Paddy had incredible stamina and, consequently, his first years of football were played on the ball as a rover.
In just his second season of football, and aged 16, paddy was starring in most games.
On 20 June 1933 he gave notice of things to come when he booted six goals in a best a field performance against Elmhurst.
Later that season in the first semi final, again against Elmhurst, he kicked five goals.
Paddy, who was the son of the local policeman, Paddy Ryan Senior, was becoming a nightmare for Elmhurst and on 27 June 1934 kicked nine goals, creating a new club record.
Although he was only five feet nine inches and 11 stone, Paddy was proving to be a sensation on the forward line.
The goal kicking spree against Elmhurst continued on 1st August 1934, when he reset his own club record with 12 goals.
Despite his size, Paddy was selected at full forward in the 1935 Pyrenees League team.
He also played at full forward in Avoca`s 1935 Premiership side, kicking six goals.
Again in 1936, 1937 and 1939 he was picked as a key forward in the strong Pyrenees League sides.
Playing in a semi final against Lexton on 9th September 1936, Paddy booted 10 of Avoca`s 14 goals, a League record which still stands today.
In 1936, he tied for the club`s best player award with Claude Cunningham.
During the 1937 final series Paddy kicked a tally of 16 goals, including a match-winning six goals against Lexton, to win the Grand Final by 10 points.
Again in 1938 he was setting records when he booted 10 goals in the Preliminary Final against Natte Yallock.
Pound for pound, Paddy Ryan Junior was widely regarded as the most amazing footballer ever to play for Avoca.
When the club disbanded at the end of the 1940 season because of the war, Paddy Ryan`s remarkable career with Avoca also ended and he was still only 23 years of age.
