MPNFL: Rye appoints Stephen Ryan as coach for 2023

Rye’s search for a coach is over, with the Demons appointing a former AFL player with vast local knowledge.

Rye football manager and vice president Scott Beel (left) shakes on it with new Rye coach Steve Ryan.

Rye searched far and wide for a new senior coach and the whole time he was under their nose.

Former Collingwood and Richmond forward Stephen Ryan has been appointed senior coach of Rye for the 2023 season.

Ryan, who was Rye’s assistant coach last season, was involved in the Demons’ process to find a coach.

He eventually put his hand up for the top job and was locked in on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal with an option of two.

“It was just making sure I had the time to commit which worked out I could, so I thought, ‘why not?’,’’ Ryan said.

It’s Ryan second stint as Rye coach; he steered the Demons from 2008-11.

“I went there in 2005 as a player, and coached from 2008 to 11,’’ Ryan said.

“I’ve gone back in a few different roles but this is probably the major role. I went back last year to help Kirkas (Adam Kirkwood). It worked out well, it fell into place in the end.’’

Stephen Ryan as a Rye player.

Stephen Ryan.

Ryan, 52, was schooled by some of the AFL’s greatest names during his 51-game, five-year playing stint at the top level with the Tigers and Collingwood including Kevin Bartlett, Alan Jeans, John Northey and Leigh Matthews.

Rye vice president and football manager Scott Beel said the Demons spoke to “five or six genuine candidates’’ and sat down and interviewed a couple.

“After talking to Steve, and he probably saw what was available, and looking at our list, he got keener as the weeks went on,’’ Beel said.

Ryan ran the Rye bench last season for coach Kirkwood.

“The players all like him, and he knows his footy,’’ Beel said.

“He’s coached us, he’s coached Pines, he’s coached St Bede’s Mentone, he’s coached Warragul Industrials, so he’s got a good resume.’’

Ryan said he would look to develop the young talent at Rye.

“I’m really impressed with their young list and what they’ve got coming through with their under 19s,’’ he said.

“I actually umpired most of their games last year and what I saw was pretty impressive which helped me make a decision.

“The majority of the list is under 25 so there’s a lot of upside to it.

“We’ve probably got to recruit and get a couple bigger bodies. Besides that I’m pretty comfortable working with what we’ve got.

“They’re all around the 30 to 50 game mark now so they’re getting a bit of experience which is good.

“I don’t have to super recruit. I’ve got what I want. It’s just a matter of trying to develop it.’’

Stephen Ryan playing for Richmond in 1992.

As a player, Ryan burst on to the AFL scene in 1990 after being given a chance by then Richmond coach Kevin Bartlett.

He debuted against the Brisbane Bears at the primitive Carrara ground remembers getting changed in the “hut out the back’’.

He went on that season to establish himself as one of the AFL’s most promising youngsters, winning Richmond’s goal-kicking award (with 28 goals), finishing third in the Tigers’ best and fairest and being named the club’s best first-year player. He played all 22 games.

Ryan played in Rye’s 2006 premiership.