Star Nightcliff Tigers swingman Ryan Nyhuis to stay in Darwin after NTFL season, coach kids

EXCLUSIVE: Nightcliff utility Ryan Nyhuis has loved being back at his junior club so much, he’s here to stay in a voluntary pathways coaching role after his team’s grand-final clash against St Mary’s at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

Nightcliff’s star swingman Ryan Nyhuis in action during the Round 17 clash against Southern Districts. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

NIGHTCLIFF utility Ryan Nyhuis has loved being back at his junior club so much, he’s here to stay in a voluntary pathways coaching role after his team’s grand-final clash against St Mary’s at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old – who played 12 AFL games for Fremantle between 2017 and 2019 – has been highly impressive in his six games back at Tigerland.

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He has kicked five goals and was the best on ground against Palmerston on February 6.

And in good news for Territory football, he wants to give back to the game in this region.

Nyhuis helped his Claremont outfit make the 2020 WAFL Grand Final, which ultimately came up short by three points against former St Mary’s star Ben Rioli’s South Fremantle side.

But he will be staying put in Darwin during the southern winter months and imparting his skills on the Territory’s best young elite players.

“I won’t be playing any off-season footy. I’ve spoken to (NT Thunder Academy coach) Jason Roe and I’m keen to volunteer with the under-16 or under-18 NT rep teams,” Nyhuis told the NT News.

“I want to be a role model and pass on my knowledge.”

Nyhuis – who somewhat surprisingly fell out of favour at the Dockers after a stunning and matchwinning four-goal debut against North Melbourne in July in 2017 – admits being in and out of the senior team led to him losing his passion for the game.

Former Dockers star Ryan Nyhuis goes up for a mark. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

He has now found that love of football once again at Nightcliff, a club he has been a part of since under-13 level.

“To be honest (the determination to play AFL again) still could be there, but the last couple of years at Fremantle were pretty taxing being in and out of the side, with my family not knowing what weeks I’d be playing,” Nyhuis said.

“But I’m now enjoying being back at Nightcliff again and my love for the game is back. I’m pretty content with what I achieved at AFL level.

“Many people probably thought I wouldn’t compete at that level.”

Nyhuis’ thoughts on the big clash v Saints – p41 in our special NTFL Grand Finals liftout on Friday.