LIAM Ryan is a "human highlight reel" but it is his improved professionalism that should propel the Subiaco star into the AFL next season, national talent manager Mick Ablett says.
The spring-heeled 184cm forward did his draft chances no harm at the WA state combine on Sunday, stopping the clock with the second-fastest 20m sprint.
His blistering 2.89-second dash would've placed him outright second at the national combine, and topped his 2.92-second effort from last year.
Despite battling a cold, Ryan also ran a respectable Yo-Yo test – which has replaced the beep test – and impressed with his prodigious leap amongst a field of 22 hopefuls.
"He's just shown exactly what he's doing on-field; he's the excitement machine," Ablett said.
"Whether it's in the 20m sprint or the jumps, he's your human highlight reel just about."
Ryan burst onto the scene last year, booting 40 goals from 16 games, but the outrageously-talented goalkicker was overlooked by AFL clubs.
The 21-year-old knuckled down under coach Jarrad Schofield this season, and took out the WAFL goalkicking and finished eighth in the Sandover Medal.
"I think the consistency and the professionalism, that was probably the question mark from clubs as to whether he could back that up (this year)," Ablett said.
"He had a fantastic year last year, how would he go again?
"I think at the end of the day it was a good decision to let him play out another season in Perth and prove that he can back it up.
"So he's done that, I don't think there's any more Liam can do but sit back and wait until the 24th of November.
"I'll be very surprised if he doesn't get a chance."
Sandover medallist Haiden Schloithe, 24, also tested strongly as he targets a second chance at the elite level.
The big-bodied former Fremantle rookie has worked hard to improve his fitness and ran himself to exhaustion in the Yo-Yo test.
Haiden Schloithe is seeking a second chance after spending time on Fremantle's list. Picture: AFL Photos
"He can't do any more can he?" Ablett said.
"I know it's been used a lot, but Matt Priddis was a guy that did the same.
"That's where the resilience sets these guys apart.
"Haiden Schloithe has to continue to back up and doesn't have it easy and get a free pass in - if players like him do get an opportunity they generally go on to have pretty successful careers."
After being overlooked in last year's drafts, young Claremont midfielder Matt Guelfi impressed recruiters by running a 21.7 in the Yo-Yo test.
Guelfi was runner-up to Tigers teammate Zac Langdon (21.8), whose time would have placed him equal third at the national combine.
Tigers ball magnet Bailey Banfield, who reportedly has interest from Port Adelaide, dominated the jumping tests.
Powerful WA under-18s midfielder Brandon Starcevich, the nephew of ex-Magpie Craig, also pushed his draft case with a rapid 2.87sec effort in the 20m sprint.
Brandon Starcevich impressed recruiters at this year's WA Combine. Picture: AFL Photos
WA State Combine leading results
20m sprint
Brandon Starcevich (East Perth) 2.87 seconds
Liam Ryan (Subiaco) 2.89 seconds
Chris Scott (East Fremantle) 2.90 seconds
Agility
Christian Ameduri (East Perth) 7.89 seconds
Aaron Redhead (East Perth) 7.91 seconds
Brandon Starcevich (East Perth) 8.08 seconds
Yo-Yo
Zac Langdon (Claremont) 21.8
Matt Guelfi (Claremont) 21.7
Liam Baker (Subiaco) 21.5
Lachlan Mitchell (Peel) 21.5
Christian Ameduri (East Perth) 21.5
Bailey Banfield (Claremont) 21.5
Brayden Ainsworth (Subiaco) 21.5
Standing vertical jump
Bailey Banfield (Claremont) 87cm
Zac Langdon (Claremont) 74cm
Zareth Roe (Perth) 73cm
Running vertical jump
Bailey Banfield (Claremont) 92cm
Brandon Starcevich (East Perth) 91cm
Matt Guelfi (Claremont) 81cm
Zac Langdon (Claremont) 81cm
