Bryan was one of the Magpies’ best in their 43-point NAB Cup semi-final win over Essendon.
He gathered 15 possessions and had 12 hit-outs but was also able push forward, kicking two goals.
While Bryan is well aware that Josh Fraser will be the main ruckman when he returns, he said he was hoping to offer value to the Pies in dual roles this season.
“Frase is the man and when he is right to play he will be the no. 1 ruck. I’ve just got to do all the right things, but my hand is up and we’ll see how we go,” Bryan said.
“Hopefully if I go ruck and forward I will get a bit more ground time instead of just 50-50 in the ruck and on the bench. If I can sneak forward and kick a goal or two every game it is another string to my bow”.
The former Blue won the pre-season competition with Carlton in 2005. While he didn’t play in the game, he said the experience of being a part of the grand final would be beneficial for young players like Steele Sidebottom and Jaxson Barham who both debuted on Friday night.
“Any exposure is good exposure. Another two young guys played their first game tonight and they wouldn’t have played in anything like this. They’ll play again next week and it will probably be a bigger crowd again. It can’t hurt them,” he said.
Bryan said his two young teammates and fellow first-year player Dayne Beams had shown that they could have an impact at senior level and predicted that they would not have to wait long to have a run in the home and away season.
“I don’t see why not. If they put their hand up this week and play well the week after... it’s good that we’ve got nearly 40 guys ready to be picked. It puts pressure on everyone and if you’re not performing then someone else is ready to take your spot,” he said.
“They’re putting their hands up and putting pressure on guys that aren’t in the side to get back in. Once you’re in the side and you do all the right things you give them no reason to drop you.”
