Ryan, who hails from Ulverstone, Tasmania - made his way to the Essendon Football Club via the 1991 AFL National Draft, where he was selected with pick 37. Ryan made his senior debut in the 1994 season, he represented the black and red on 63 occasions, kicking 47 goals. At the end of the 1998 season, the 192cm forward received a second chance, playing with the Sydney Swans for two seasons, playing a further 24 games.
In this episode, Ryan talks about his apprenticeship in the Bombers Reserve team, his journey starting alongside the names of Mercuri, Hird and Misit, his breakout 1995 season, the 1996 Waverley Blackout Game, playing with the Allies and being a Talent Manager in the TAC Cup.