Danny Ryan praises Brodie McLaughlin, Frankston Dolphins’ program

Frankston coach Danny Ryan is confident that Brodie McLaughlin won’t be the last Frankston Dolphin progressing out of the current program. Here’s why.

You should get used to seeing more Frankston Dolphins on AFL lists.

That’s the opinion of coach Danny Ryan after Brodie McLaughlin became the the fourth Dolphin to graduate to the top level.

The exciting forward has penned a deal with Gold Coast, joining Mitch Cox (Brisbane), Tylar Young (Richmond) and Liam Reidy (Fremantle) as players to have advanced from Frankston since its reinspection back into the VFL.

“I think it’s a reflection of the program,” Frankston coach Danny Ryan said.

“It’s only been five years since Frankston were dead, buried and out of the competition, (now) we’re back in and doing something right.

“It’s a reflection of the program, it’s a reflection of the coaches in the program, the players and the club.

“It’s obviously a reflection on Brodie, he did the work, but no one does it on their own.

“The cultural piece is really important, we keep bringing good people in and try to stay hungry, humble and keep working – every day is about improving and getting better.

“For guys who have got AFL traits, it’s a great environment to be in because they get an opportunity to play a good brand of footy that stacks up AFL-wise.”

Ryan is confident promising players who have aspirations to play at the top level are noticing the way in which his program is run.

“I think the message it (McLaughlin earning a list spot) sends is: if they come to us, they’re going to get better, first and foremost” he said.

“If they want a shot to go higher, they’re going to get in a great program that is going to make them better, and if they’re a chance, they can hone their AFL traits and showcase them with opportunity where AFL clubs can notice.

“All of the stand-alone’s are in that position, we just feel we have built a program that AFL clubs are looking for after constant dialogue with them.

“We work with the recruiters and development coaches at different AFL clubs, there’s lots of linkages there, and we think the program is a reflection of what AFL clubs are looking for.”

Danny Ryan holds great faith in the Dollies’ program. Picture:Rob Leeson.

While the promise of being drafted is no certainty, Frankston is comfortable that the development of its players is well and truly within its control.

“There is no guarantee (to be drafted), we just have to keep building what we think is the right program and making sure the players and coaches work diligently,” Ryan said.

“This is a thing we are in control of, we can’t be in control of how many games Frankston win in a really brutally tough competition – which we love and embrace being a part of.

“And that (the competition) goes towards their development, they get to test themselves against AFL-listed players already, so we’re lucky we’re in this competition.

“This (development) is a separate thing from the wins and losses, our coaches and players are in control of this.

“If you want a chance to get a crack at the top level, we have coaches and a program that will support you, stretch you and challenge you to be the best you can be.”

Frankston is hopeful Kye Turner – who is currently training with Melbourne – can also earn his place on an AFL list this pre-season.