AFL draft 2019: Oakleigh Chargers ruckman Nick Bryan rises through ranks
Oakleigh Chargers tall Nick Bryan wasn’t rated in the top under-17 talents last year but is now viewed as one of the best ruck prospects in this year’s draft. We track his rise through the ranks.
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It’s been a growing year for Nick Bryan.
Not only has he risen in AFL recruiters’ estimations, he’s added considerable size to his frame.
The Glen Iris junior has put on 14kg to his 202cm frame in just over 12 months.
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The mobile ruckman attributes his football program, diet and maturity to his development.
“I played a few games as a bottom-age player and I think I was around 78-80kg,” Bryan explains.
“I came up against some bigger, stronger bodies and really struggled and knew to do well as a top-age player I’d need to put on size.
“In the pre-season I was adamant just to eat more and went to the gym a lot more. It paid off because I went into the start of the season at around 87kg and now I’m 92kg.”
The St Kevin’s College student hopes to reach 100kg.
“I’m still very skinny so I’ve got a long way to go,” he said.
The term ‘draft bolter’ is attached to at least one hopeful each season.
This year it belongs to Bryan, 17.
He didn’t emerge on draft boards until some encouraging performances in the early rounds of the NAB League season, and is now viewed as one of the top ruck prospects in this year’s pool.
“I try not look into the attention too much but it’s a bit difficult because all my friends are seeing all the attention and letting me know all about it,” he said.
The NAB League grand final highlighted Bryan’s potential.
He started with 10 disposals in the opening quarter to put Oakleigh Chargers on their way to the premiership.
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The Hawthorn East resident finished with 20 possessions, 26 hit-outs and four marks to be in Oakleigh’s best players.
He laughed off suggestions his ruck work had helped elevate teammates Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson to be the top two draft prospects this year.
“They make me look pretty good,” he said.
Bryan was last year overlooked for the All Stars clash, which showcases the best under-17 talent in the country.
But it was his Vic Metro snub, when he was excluded from the initial squad, which hurt the most.
“It was a big driving factor for me because it pushed me to work even harder,” Bryan said.
“Looking back on it now, I’m happy I didn’t make it because I think I wouldn’t have worked as hard as I did in the pre-season.”
He was rushed in to the Australian Under 18 side against Casey Demons in April and ultimately earned selection in the Vic Metro squad.
A standout performance against South Australia, which included 15 touches, three marks and 22 hit-outs, in the under-18 national championships underlined his talents.
Bryan also had top 10-placings in the running vertical jump and vertical jump tests at the draft combine.
Oakleigh talent manager Jy Bond listed Bryan’s mobility and endurance as his strengths.
“His ability to navigate through traffic and use the ball is great for his size,” Bond said.
“He’s a good kid. He’s of good character and he’s willing to work.
“He showed towards the end of the season he can take contested marks, which was one of the areas he needed to work on.
“Obviously being a ruck, he’s going have to fill out and get a bit bigger but he’s certainly shown he’s got all the tools required.”
Bond said Bryan continued to refine his ruck work.
“There was never an issue of his skill,” he said.
“It was more just ruck craft and competitive marking … I guess that came to fruition in the finals when he showed exactly all the tools he’s got that can become very attractive to an AFL club.
“Long-term, he is a very exciting prospect.”
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