Player Watch #32 Samson Ryan

[The_Kraken]

Think that’s part of the issue
We judge him mostly on his forward craft that isn’t the greatest at AFL level

But his strengths lay in his tap work and ground level work around the ground that we only really get to see small snippets of at AFL level because he’s playing that relief role

One good thing about his forward craft is that he actually puts himself in to a position to contest. Taking pack marks or bringing the ball down to advantage is another story.

 

[Muddiemoose]

I usually am.

Humble too

 

[tunksy]

Think you might be onto something

He’s one of those guys who needs to be the number 1 ruck otherwise he doesn’t bring much to the table

He will be an AFL ruck at some point imo but it will just depend on timing with Nank as to if it’s with us or with someone else

We need to be giving him games if nank is sore just so we can pump experience into him and know if he’s got something to work with of if he will just be at vfl level until his contract is up.

 

[db26]

agree his a number one ruck and his shown a bit in that role. He aren't no forward ruck second string etc. Think we should have rested Nank a bit more last year and gave him the lead. That's been part of the problem not only himself is the issue.

 

[Vassp]

If he can't mark by now he never will. A one tap wonder with no marking ability wont work.

 

[richoatthedisco]

Who gon tell him

 

[richoatthedisco]

Humble too

Don't forget handsome.

 

[PetterdHoisted]

If he can't mark by now he never will. A one tap wonder with no marking ability wont work.

They should be getting Sampson to do a massage course.

Soften those hard, hard hands of his.

 

[tropicaltiger]

Hope you are right

he is i reckon

 

[Tackle Bag]

agree his a number one ruck and his shown a bit in that role. He aren't no forward ruck second string etc. Think we should have rested Nank a bit more last year and gave him the lead. That's been part of the problem not only himself is the issue.

Yeah it would be good to see Nank rested a couple of times this coming year, even subbed out when games are dead

 

[Yze does it]

Yeah it would be good to see Nank rested a couple of times this coming year, even subbed out when games are dead

Nank was always good for an injury or suspension that gave Ryan a chance. except 2025.
reigned in the tackles and the frees against, and suspensions.

Suns game, the win, Ryan on the field, Nank on the bench for too long in Q4.
Ryan subbed out for Trainor very late.

no word from the bench

 

[_Wang_]

Dude is a legit dud, can't believe he is still on our list

 

[sportshow]

the new run and jump ruck rule is his very last chance that he probably doesn't deserve but here we are .... had hopes earlier, last year dispelled most of them ....

heres hoping!

 

[Yze does it]

Watch examples of the seven rule changes that will impact 2026

Ruck contests, the stand rule, and the 'last disposal' out of bounds rule are among a host of changes ahead of 2026

www.afl.com.au

time to get Grigga back

 

[Dr Tigris]

Watch examples of the seven rule changes that will impact 2026

Ruck contests, the stand rule, and the 'last disposal' out of bounds rule are among a host of changes ahead of 2026

www.afl.com.au

time to get Grigga back

Shrugs now being treated properly - took your time AFL.

 

[DickieKnee]

the new run and jump ruck rule is his very last chance that he probably doesn't deserve but here we are .... had hopes earlier, last year dispelled most of them ....

heres hoping!

And we could have Mason Cox? Probably offers as much.

 

[richoatthedisco]

New centre square ruck rule will suit him.

 

[Tzatziki_Man]

Nank is finished.

Unless he can play as a key forward, back and pinch hit ruck. He will be hurt most by the new rule. He cannot jump.

Samson needs to practise this new rule snd go for number 1 ruck role now

 

[darcytiger]

The WOAT

 

[tiger_tough]

Nank is finished.

Unless he can play as a key forward, back and pinch hit ruck. He will be hurt most by the new rule. He cannot jump.

Samson needs to practise this new rule snd go for number 1 ruck role now

Bit OTT. He can still smash into the oppo ruck like Stef Martin used to. Plus it only affects centre bounce (throw ups?) so there's plenty other facets that make up a ruckmans role....

 

[voorhees]

Nank is finished.

Unless he can play as a key forward, back and pinch hit ruck. He will be hurt most by the new rule. He cannot jump.

Samson needs to practise this new rule snd go for number 1 ruck role now

crazy talk...
Ryan hasn't got a percentage of the aggression one needs in the ruck that Nank has.
Plus he has trampoline hands.
Ryan is not a no#1 ruck

 

[SunshineBoy]

View attachment 2465252

 

[Tzatziki_Man]

Bit OTT. He can still smash into the oppo ruck like Stef Martin used to. Plus it only affects centre bounce (throw ups?) so there's plenty other facets that make up a ruckmans role....

Maybe Oliver Brown

Nank will struggle, hes already undersized for a ruck at 199cms and 102kgs, plus absolutely zero leap. Oliver Brown is 208cms and 114kgs. In training, under new rules, he will beat nank at centre bounce throw ups, 80% of the time.

Nank will need to focus on other parts of his game, can he be a forward option, can he read the flight down back and cut off some oppo inside 50 entries? Maybe ruck around the ground, tackle like a mad man?

If he doesnt find a way to improve his game, he will be retired quickly

 

[tiger_tough]

Maybe Oliver Brown

Nank will struggle, hes already undersized for a ruck at 199cms and 102kgs, plus absolutely zero leap. Oliver Brown is 208cms and 114kgs. In training, under new rules, he will beat nank at centre bounce throw ups, 80% of the time.

Nank will need to focus on other parts of his game, can he be a forward option, can he read the flight down back and cut off some oppo inside 50 entries? Maybe ruck around the ground, tackle like a mad man?

If he doesnt find a way to improve his game, he will be retired quickly

He already does those things well.

You're over rating hitouts.

 

[THE THIN MAN]

He already does those things well.

You're over rating hitouts.

Hit outs to advantage would be a nice change for the midfield.