WEST Coast will keep encouraging high-flying Liam Ryan to jump for his marks and play on instinct after an electric start to his career, teammate Luke Shuey says.
The former Subiaco star has made an immediate impression in AFL ranks, helping a youthful Eagles attack cover the absence of spearhead Josh Kennedy.
Ryan was nominated for the Coates Hire Goal of the Year after slotting three majors in Sunday's 51-point belting of the Bulldogs, and also submitted his first Woolworths Mark of the Year entry after latching onto a trademark hanger.
Despite only being two games into his career, the dynamic 21-year-old has already added some valuable spark to the Eagles' line-up.
SHOWREEL: Ryan's big day out against the Dogs
"We've spoken to him about when he brings his energy to game day and training what he does to those around him," Shuey told AFL.com.au.
"I think he's starting to understand how important that is as well and it's when he plays his best footy.
"Against Sydney (in round one) he flew for three or four marks and completely mistimed it, but he's got that natural feel for the game where he can correct that within a week.
"On the weekend, he hauled one of them in and this week he might pull two in, and by the end of the year he might be up for four or five marks of the year.
"He sees the ball, he jumps at the ball and when it hits the ground he's as dangerous as he is in the air.
"We keep encouraging him to just play footy and enjoy every minute and I think that's when we're going to see the best results from Liam."
Shuey has built a close relationship with the new recruit, feeding off Ryan's infectious personality since he was handed a chance with pick No.26 in last year's NAB AFL Draft after two standout WAFL campaigns reaped 113 goals in 39 League games.
"He's a great kid. He's one of those guys that you hang around him enough at training and he makes you so happy because he's just so happy to be here," Shuey said.
"I think he realises the opportunity he's got. For probably a couple of years there he might have thought his opportunity had passed.
"But he's soaked up every minute of it so far and he's only 21, so hopefully for another 10 or 12 years he can continue to do what he does."
Shuey highlighted the impact of West Coast's four first-year players as the biggest positive from an even team performance against the Dogs.
Daniel Venables showed his talent with three majors from 12 disposals and the competitive 19-year-old, who is regularly compared to Shuey, looms as a line-breaking midfielder once he builds his aerobic capacity.
"I wouldn't mind having his speed, I think he's got me," Shuey said.
"He's probably going to kick a few more goals than me in his career as well, which is nice.
"I think he's got a really bright future.
"Hopefully he can find his way into the midfield this year. Every time he's been in there he's shown that, despite being 19 years old and still fairly skinny, he can match it with everyone in there.
"He's tough, he hits the contest hard and he plays on instinct, which I think is the best thing.
"He's going to be a fan favourite, I think."
