Liam Ryan’s all-time specky against Port Adelaide stuns AFL world

The AFL community are singing the praises of West Coast’s Liam Ryan after his stunning specky sent the Perth crowd into a frenzy.

Liam Ryan's stunning mark against Port Adelaide.

West Coast Eagles small forward Liam Ryan is cementing his place as one of the AFL’s most exciting talents after pulling off an early contender for Mark of the Year.

Ryan scored an early goal in Saturday evening’s clash against Port Adelaide at Perth Stadium before sending the packed home crowd into a frenzy with an absurd grab in the second quarter.

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Leaping onto the shoulders of Power defender Darcy Byrne-Jones, the 24-year-old claimed the mark with his knees pressing into his opponent’s neck.

“Liam Ryan, every single week he thrills,” Channel 7 commentator Hamish McLachlan exclaimed. “Gets up, knocks his head on the moon, comes back.”

Western Bulldogs great Luke Darcy responded: “I thought he’d gone too early. He just hung there. He’s so exciting.”

Liam Ryan of the Eagles celebrates a goal.

Ryan then quickly returned to his feet and booted the Sherrin inside 50 towards teammate Josh Kennedy as the AFL community sang his praises.

Footy reporter Nat Edwards posted: “S**t that was awesome.”

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph tweeted: “He might be the most exciting player in footy.”

Fox Footy presenter Kath Loughnan said at halftime: “That’s got to be lead for Mark of the Year so far.”

Ryan was awarded the Mark of the Year accolade in 2019 for his hanger on Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn.

Tony Modra, Gary Ablett Sr, Billy Picken and Peter Knights are the only players to have won the Mark of the Year award on multiple occasions.

When asked after the game what goes through his mind while attempting such marks, Ryan replied: “Just jump on the bloke’s head, you know. I am not going to stand around like a statue. I have to do my thing.”

Liam Ryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyan!

— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) April 3, 2021

Mark of the year. Yes thanks. #AFLeaglesport

— Alex Hart (@alexhart7) April 3, 2021

Flyin Ryan. Wowwee #Afl#AFLEaglesPower

— Jason Gram (@gramsy_1) April 3, 2021

West Coast got their round three contest off to a flyer, racing to a comfortable 52-point lead over the Power at halftime.

Port Adelaide have been touted as genuine title contenders this year, but Ken Hinkley’s side could only muster two goals in the opening two terms.

The hosts kicked four answered majors before Port Adelaide finally got on the scoreboard, with Mitch Georgiades the club’s only goal-kicker in the first half.

Power legend Warren Tredrea tweeted: “West Coast too tough, desperate, ruthless, disciplined etc – Port embarrassing.”

ABC Grandstand’s Zane Bojack posted: “Wowee … West Coast giving the premiership favourite a bit of a touch up … been some topsy turvey footy today.”

Jack Darling of the Eagles.

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West Coast ultimately secured a convincing 16.12 (108) to 11.5 (71) win over Port, who suffered their first loss of the 2021 premiership.

Two-time All-Australian Andrew Gaff told Channel 7 after the win: “It’s a challenge to play probably the best team of last year. They lost to Richmond, but they have been so good for a number of years and touched us up a couple of times, so we are here to make amends.”

Kennedy booted four goals for the Eagles, while teammate Andrew Gaff recorded a game-high 36 disposals.

Ryan finished the demolition with two goals, 13 disposals and five marks.

Port Adelaide will next host defending champions Richmond, while West Coast will take on St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.