South Barwon defender Jack Driver says Ryan Bell is ready to take on ruck duties

South Barwon lost a team of the year ruck in Luke Davis over the off-season, but a star Swan believes his replacement is already a part of the squad.

GFL: South Barwon v St Joseph's. No 33. Jack Driver for Sth Barwon.

SOUTH Barwon star Jack Driver has identified reserves ruck Ryan Bell as the man to fill a giant void in the Swans’ line-up.

Team of the year ruck Luke Davis shocked the Geelong Football League when he announced his departure from South Barwon, heading to the Bellarine to return to his junior club, Barwon Heads.

But Driver said Bell, who has toiled away in the reserves for South Barwon, would get the first chance at replacing Davis.

“I think Ryan’s progression has been fantastic, he obviously won the best and fairest in the two’s last season so hopefully with a bit more fitness he can just slide in beautifully there,” he said.

“He’s tall enough and he’s strong enough, I’ve watched a fair bit of him run around this year and he just dominates.

Ryan Bell was dominant for South Barwon’s reserves side in 2022. Picture: Mark Wilson

“Hopefully he can get a fair crack at it and he takes it with both hands and shows he’s worthy of being a senior ruck.”

Bell played 15 games in the reserves for South Barwon in 2022, being named in the club’s bests seven times and being an integral member of the Swans’ charge towards a premiership.

He was named best on ground in the 20-point grand final win against Newtown & Chilwell, as well as claiming both the club and the league’s best and fairest awards for the season.

Driver said he was excited to see Bell get a chance in new coach Mark Neeld’s senior side.

“I know we’ve got a couple of taller guys who can step into that ruck role if need be and help us out, but hopefully Ryan gets an opportunity,” he said.

“He’s a great guy and he’s toiled away for a fair bit, and he’s improving and improving every year.

Mark Neeld will coach South Barwon in the GFL from 2023. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve spoken a fair bit with Neeldy (Mark Neeld) so far, it’s really exciting to hear what he’s got planned.

“There will be some changes to our game plan, which will be interesting to learn, but the good thing with playing in the backline is that won’t really change that much.

“I’ll be able to hopefully just slot in and play my role, but it’s really exciting to hear about the plans he’s got for us.”

Originally published as South Barwon defender Jack Driver says Ryan Bell is ready to take on ruck duties