Werribee key defender Ryan Eyers emerges as mid-season draft smokey

AFL clubs are keeping tabs on a host of players from Werribee, the club from Melbourne’s west which has become known as one of the state league’s premier footy factories.

Ryan Eyers takes possession for Werribee against Footscray. Pic: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

Werribee had high hopes for recruit Ryan Eyers this season.

With no fuss or fanfare, the 22-year-old key defender has met them – and if there’s any substance to the mid-season draft talk getting around the VFL, he’s impressed a few AFL clubs too.

The Bees have been called a “footy factory’’ after sending a string of players to the highest level in the past few years and the 199cm Eyers could be next.

He joined the club after playing two games for Geelong’s VFL team last year and winning the best and fairest for Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray league. Eyers was also named in the competition’s team of the year.

Ryan Eyers (No. 11) comes in from behind while representing the Ovens and Murray against Goulburn Valley last year. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“He’s had a very good season, very consistent and reliable,’’ Werribee senior coach Jimmy Allan said.

“He defends first and doesn’t get beaten very often.

“He’s probably been our most consistent player.

“He was a player we identified as someone we would love to get in given Nathan Cooper and Stefan Radovanovic had left the club, and he’s performed from day one really. He just hates getting beaten. We love having those type of players in our side.’’

How about the start this man has had to his Werribee career 👊
A wall down back, Ryan Eyers earns our Totally Workwear Hoppers Crossing Player of the Match for Round 3 🔥

🔗 Read about his performance and more in the match report 👉 https://t.co/dvghfHhuuPpic.twitter.com/wEcje7bNfe

— Werribee FC (@WerribeeFC) April 7, 2025

Eyers played with the Murray Bushrangers in 2021-22, representing the Allies at the national championships in his top-age year. He also attended draft combines in both of his years in the Coates Talent League.

Geelong VFL signed him ahead of the 2023 season. He played nine games across his two years with the Cats.

Allan said Werribee’s defence had been put to the test this season and Eyers had “held up very well for us.’’

“He’s a good size. He’s got a bit of filling out to do, but he’s got those long arms and he finds a way to get a fist in and he’s so competitive.

“He’s only young. He’s only going to get better.’’

Ryan Eyers with family members ahead of his debut for the Bees.

Allan also believes his small forwards Zac Banch and Flynn Young should be considered for the draft.

Both were part of the 2024 Werribee premiership team.

Allan said 23-year-old Young’s running capabilities were “outstanding’’.

“He just works so hard to win one-on-one contests,’’ he said. “He gives you beautiful delivery inside 50 and kicks goals and again he’s really competitive.’’

He said the 173cm Banch, from Yarrawonga, had “elite’’ speed and power.

“His pressure is through the roof,’’ he said.

“He has a penetrating kick and he’s a smart footballer.’’

Ryan Eyers playing for Newtown and Chilwell in Geelong. Picture: Mark Wilson

Ryan Eyers playing for the Allies in the Under-18 national carnival.

It’s believed the Western Bulldogs have been tracking Banch this season.

There’s been little talk around Weeribee club champion Dom Brew, who trained with the Bulldogs as an SSP rookie hopeful, but Allan said he was putting together another fine season.

The 2024 JJ Liston Trophy winner, premiership player and VFL MVP is leading the competition in disposals and tackles.

“He was a bit crook on Sunday but the three or four weeks before that were as good as any games as he played last year,’’ Allan said.

“He’s winning the ball and his decision-making and composure have probably improved from last year and he’s still doing the hard inside stuff as well. I think his season has been at least as equal to this point last year.’’

Defender Riley Bice (Sydney), forward Aidan Johnson (Melbourne) and utility Jack Henderson (Melbourne) were drafted after figuring in Werribee’s breakthrough flag.

The Bees’ 2023 grand final players Shaun Mannagh and Sam Clohesy were taken 12 months earlier.

Originally published as Werribee key defender Ryan Eyers emerges as mid-season draft smokey