Sydney FC lock in dynamic duo

Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant is on target to be the longest serving player in the club’s history after signing a new deal

Defenders Rhyan Grant and Seb Ryall pose after being resigned by Sydney FC. Picture: Gregg Porteous.

Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant is on target to be the longest serving player in the club’s history after signing a new deal.

Grant and teammate Seb Ryall have both agreed to a two-year extension of their contracts, heading off interest from other A-League clubs for their services.

Between them they have played almost 300 A-League matches and they will become the club’s longest serving players — surpassing club record holder Terry McFlynn — with Grant serving 10 years and Ryall nine by the time their contracts end in 2019.

Grant has been one of the standout players this season, not just for Sydney FC but in the A-League with some suggestions he could be a bolter for Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos.

The 25-year-old rightback started his professional career with the Sky Blues in the 2008-09 season and was more of a midfielder before cementing the defensive role under coach Graham Arnold.

Ryall joined Sydney FC from Melbourne Victory in 2009 and won a championship in his first season with the Sky Blues.

“To re-sign was always a priority, and when you think about it, 10 years at Sydney FC will be great,” Grant said. “It’s a massive club and to be there for 10 years will be very special. I love the club and don’t know any different.”

Grant said this season has probably been his best.

“I’ve had a great couple of years and this year I am enjoying more than ever. Arnie (Arnold) has re-signed which is a huge positive and the team this year is great. The way we’re going in the league is even better,” he said.

“This year we want to win it and in the next couple we want to progress in the Champions League.”

Ryall, 27, said Arnold’s influence has been a huge positive for him.

“I know the club, being here for such a long time, and Arnie has made a change for the positive and we are doing exceptionally well at the moment,” Ryall said.

“It’s a great team to be involved in, we’re undefeated and on a remarkable run.”

Arnold believes re-signing Grant and Ryall sends a strong message about the unity and belief at the club.

“Seb and Rhyan have proven themselves as quality defenders,” Arnold said.

“They’ve established a reputation for their tenacity and work rate and I’m thrilled to be able to retain them for the next two years.

“They are Sydney FC icons, they’re Sky Blue through and through and they’re a major reason why we currently sit undefeated in the league.”
• Roy O’Donovan will miss Central Coast’s home with Perth Glory this weekend after being issued a one-match ban for striking Melbourne City’s Michael Jakobson.

The A-League’s match review panel has determined the Irishman engaged in “serious foul play” in his first-half aerial contest with Jakobson during last Thursday’s 2-1 defeat at AAMI Park, which controversially earned him a straight red card.