Fremantle Veteran Luke Ryan to Make First Peel Thunder Appearance Since 2017
Out-of-favour Fremantle veteran Luke Ryan is set to play his first game for Peel Thunder in more than eight years, following a bombshell omission from the Dockers' season opener against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. The selection shock came on Thursday, leaving Ryan to prove his worth to coach Justin Longmuir as he aims to reclaim a spot in the backline.
Selection Shock and Pre-Season Hurdles
Despite being declared "ready to go" this week, the dual All-Australian was overlooked for the match against last year's grand finalists. His pre-season was hindered by a shoulder reconstruction, and he didn't even travel as an emergency. Oscar McDonald was named at full back, with two-gamer Hugh Davies serving as back-up, despite Fremantle missing key defender Brennan Cox due to a calf injury.
This omission leaves the 30-year-old in limbo as the Dockers head into what many tip to be a defining season for Longmuir, with expectations of contending for the premiership. Ryan, who played 107 consecutive games and last missed a match in May 2021, now faces a critical juncture in his career.
Historic Return to Peel Thunder
Ryan will turn out for Peel Thunder for the first time since winning the Simpson Medal in their 2017 grand final victory. In his first season, he played eight games for Fremantle's WAFL affiliate alongside 11 AFL appearances, but hasn't featured since becoming a first-choice backman the following season.
His accolades include winning the Doig Medal as the Dockers' club champion in 2020, the same year he earned his first All-Australian blazer after being picked as a mature-age recruit from Coburg in the VFL. Ryan secured a second All-Australian honour just two seasons ago, following a career-best season where he averaged 24 touches at 88% efficiency and nine marks across 23 matches.
Peel Thunder's Strong Line-Up
The Thunder have named a dozen Fremantle-listed players to take on the Demons, including experienced wingman Jeremy Sharp, who will also start on the outer after signing a two-year deal in September. Sharp has been overlooked in favour of Matt Johnson, Nathan O'Driscoll, and Corey Wagner, even with veteran Jaeger O'Meara sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Speedster Cooper Simpson will be part of a strong backline for Peel, featuring Dockers Josh Draper and Ollie Murphy, while Jaren Carr and Charlie Nicholls have also been named. Additionally, all of the Dockers' draftees are set to get a game, with mature-age forward Tobyn Murray continuing to push for a debut after an impressive pre-season.
Fresh faces Adam Sweid, Leon Kickett, Ryda Luke, and Toby Whan will all play against a formidable Demons outfit. The Demons will feature former Collingwood defender Charlie Dean, reigning Sandover medallist Charlie Constable, and former Sydney-listed wingman Indhi Kirk, making for a highly competitive match-up.
This return to Peel Thunder marks a pivotal moment for Ryan as he seeks to demonstrate his value and fight his way back into Fremantle's AFL side during a crucial season for the club.
