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FROM playing with mates at Maribyrnong Park in the Essendon District Football League in 2015 to being considered as a possible top-25 selection in this year's NAB AFL Draft.
It's been quite a journey for Luke Ryan, regarded by many as the best mature-aged prospect in this year's draft pool.
The Coburg defender, 20, is now an almost certain draft choice after a tremendous season in his first year at VFL level, which saw him awarded the 2016 Fothergill-Round Medal, presented to the most promising young talent in the competition.
Ryan's breakout season came after he decided to leave his mates at 'Marby Park' and trial for Essendon's VFL squad at the start of the season. But when he was cut from the Bombers' list before the final squad was announced, he didn't know what would eventuate.
"When I got told the news (about being cut) I was pretty down and I didn't really know what was going to pop up," Ryan told AFL.com.au.
"But luckily enough, Coburg called me a day later and they gave me that opportunity which I was extremely grateful for."
Even then, Ryan received no guarantees from senior coach Peter German.
After winning a place on Coburg's list, the rebounding defender started the season in the VFL Development League before being elevated to the senior team following two impressive performances.
It quickly became apparent that Ryan was there to stay, as he made the half-back position his own.
He rebounded effectively from the back half, used the footy with class and precision and showed he had a knack for reading the play before it had even unfolded.
His performances began to catch the attention of eagle-eyed recruiters as they searched for players who may have slipped through the cracks and deserved an opportunity at the top level.
Ryan is a classic example.
The solidly built defender collected 30 touches and 10 marks in his first VFL game, averaging 19.3 disposals and six marks per game across the season before he suffered a year-ending shoulder injury in August.
The apprentice carpenter puts his spectacular rise down to improved maturity and developing more of an understanding of what lies in front of him.
Ryan admits he did not possess the mental wherewithal required when he was on the Calder Cannons' list in 2014. Ryan walked out on the Cannons, deciding to go back to local footy after he became disillusioned with the program.
Luke Ryan (right) in action for the Calder Cannons in 2014. Picture: AFL Photos
"I didn't get on well with certain people at the club and my footy rapidly went downhill," he said.
"Because I was working long hours as well, I was really tired and I was falling asleep on the way to training.
"My head wasn't right and my footy was suffering, so I thought I would give it away and play with my mates and enjoy my footy again."
Delaying his passage to the elite level appears to be a wise choice with North Melbourne and Sydney among the clubs who have already expressed interest.
The shoulder injury prevented Ryan from testing at the Draft Combine in October, although he has now seen the surgeon and has been given the all clear to be back moving.
"I'm getting sick of doing leg weights in the gym, so I can't wait to start running again," Ryan said.
Safe in the knowledge that his shoulder is mended, Ryan can now turn his attention to the draft later this month where he is hoping he can realise his AFL dream.
"I can't believe I'm here, to be honest," Ryan said. "But it's a great opportunity so I've just got to grab it with both hands and see where that takes me."
• NAB AFL Draft Hub
• Listen to this week's Road to the Draft podcast
• Indicative draft order: What picks will your club take to the draft
