‘Happy-go-lucky’ Tiger Jakob Ryan one of SA’s hottest draft prospects

He hasn’t had a haircut for a decade – and he’s one of SA’s hottest draft prospects.

Glenelg’s Jakob Ryan hangs upside down at his family home as part of his unique exercise routine. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt.

He idolises Hawthorn’s James Sicily, hasn’t had a “proper’’ haircut for 10 years and can often be found hanging upside down in his backyard.

He also is one of South Australia’s hottest draft prospects.

Meet Glenelg's Jakob Ryan.

A self-confessed “happy-go-lucky’’ character, the 18-year-old’s star continues to rise.

The athletic, rebounding defender, who models his game on Hawks 2022 club champion Sicily, is skyrocketing up draft boards, with AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan claiming he “could be SA’s second-best prospect’’ behind powerful Eagles midfielder Mattaes Phillipou.

SA under-18 coach Tony Bamford said Ryan had this year “done a lot of work to significantly improve his ability to win one-on-one contests, which now complements his offensive impact’’.

It is all part of his grand plan to emulate his hero Sicily, who he is even nicknamed after and unexpectedly met (and had a photograph with) at last month’s AFL Draft Combine at Marvel Stadium.

Glenelg AFL draft prospect Jakob Ryan. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Tuesday 15 November 2022 Glenelg AFL draft prospect Jakob Ryan. Pic Roy VanDerVegt

“I’ve been a big James Sicily fan for the past four or five years,’’ said Ryan, who has supported Hawthorn since it stunningly upset Geelong in the 2008 grand final.

“I love the way he plays, being that intercept type defender, his flair, unique personality and the fact that he is a little bit different on the field.

“He plays on the edge, with a bit of spunk and takes the game on and I try to play the same way.

“And mum’s always said I look a bit like him.’’

Ryan, who is the same height (189cm) as Sicily, shows him so much love that his Glenelg teammates, in particular 2023 top draft prospect Ashton Moir, have nicknamed him “Sis’’.

“And I love it,’’ Ryan said.

Ryan was floored when he got to meet his idol at the combine, where he was interviewed by 12 clubs.

“Sicily was sitting with the Hawthorn recruiting staff, listening in on some interviews, and the Hawks knew I modelled my game on his and introduced us,’’ he said.

“They told me to take the opportunity to get my photo with him, which was pretty cool. We only had time for a brief chat but he was super nice.’’

Jakob Ryan of South Australia evades Jhye Clark of Victoria Country during the U18 AFL Boys Championship. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

Glenelg footballer Jakob Ryan (left) with his hero Hawthorn’s James Sicily.

Ryan, who lives with his family at Brighton and came through Glenelg’s junior ranks, enjoyed a standout 2022 campaign splitting time between the Tigers’ under-18s and Sacred Heart College, where he won flags, and the SA under-18s.

A strong overhead mark, fine reader of the play and good ball user, he averaged a whopping 149 ranking points, 28 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency, eight intercept possessions, three intercept marks and five score involvements in the SANFL under-18s.

Ryan was also one of the Croweaters’ best performers at the AFL under-18 championships, averaging 20 disposals, five intercepts and five marks playing as a high halfback while he looked right at home in his two reserves games, averaging 20 disposals and eight marks.

His athletic prowess shone out at the national combine where he finished sixth in the 2km time trial with a time of 6:16 minutes – 18 seconds faster than his previous best time – while he ran an impressive 3.01 seconds for the 20m sprint.

Sporting long blond locks, Ryan said he hadn’t been to a barber for 10 years, with his dad, Stephen, “getting his whipper snippers out and doing it himself’’.

“I’ve had a mullet for about a year now and like long hair, I think it’s cool,’’ he said.

What also is cool is Ryan’s exercise program.

He suffered stress fractures in his back two years ago, prompting his dad to hook up some novel back stretching equipment in their backyard.

While fully healed, Ryan still regularly uses the equipment, which sees him hang upside down from a bar with his ankles strapped in braces for 10 minutes, during football season to help with his recovery.

“It stretches and loosens my back and has been great for my recovery, maybe even helping me grow a centimetre or two, which can’t be a bad thing,’’ he said.