\n Oscar Ryan on the former Crow who inspired his first goal, adapting to AFL footy and his Dad\u2019s feature in the song.\n <\/p>\n
Adelaide debutant Oscar Ryan has credited former teammate Brodie Smith for inspiring his memorable first goal in the Crows\u2019 72-point win against Essendon Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
Ryan was pivotal during the match, clocking up 19 disposals and a goal that he says was inspired by watching the exploits of his mentor and 250-game Crow, Brodie Smith.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I was actually watching Brodie Smith highlights before the game, so that\u2019s probably where it came from,\u201d Ryan said on Crows Live after the match.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I didn’t know what to do; I just saw the lane and took it, and luckily enough it went through.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
The defender also acknowledged two current Crows and the impact they had on his journey, which began when he got drafted at the end of 2023.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Smithy (Brodie Smith), Junior (Wayne Milera), they’ve all been helping me throughout the whole three years, and Lairdy (Rory Laird), so I’ll thank all those boys.” Ryan said.<\/p>\n
The 21-year old reflected on the memorable experience, and how he adapted to his first taste of AFL football.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It was much different, much quicker, but I felt up to it,\u201d Ryan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Like I said, I’ve been here for three years against Keaysy (Ben Keays) and all those boys in practice matches, so I felt fine.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ryan also commended fellow debutant Archie Ludowyke, who similarly booted his first AFL goal late in the fourth quarter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Archie is a great kid; he’s worked so hard for this opportunity. It’s really good to play alongside him.” Ryan said.<\/p>\n
The pair of first-gamers were joined by special company post-match, with their fathers joining the circle of players to sing the song with pride.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Its very special. They’ve let in about 20 close people to me in here and Dad was lucky enough to go through with the song,\u201d Ryan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I don’t reckon he knew any of the words, so we’ll have to go through and clip that.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adelaide will feature in their next home game this Saturday night against Richmond at Adelaide Oval, starting at 7:05pm (ACST).<\/p>\n