Young Adelaide defender Oscar Ryan credits fellow half-back and teammate Wayne Milera for helping fasttrack his development and teach him the craft of the position.
Speaking to AFC Media, Ryan said Milera had taken him under his wing, giving him guidance when it came to doing the little things to improve his game.
“Junior (Milera) has been a big one for me,” Ryan said.
“Even though he is injured he is still helping me out with the little things.
“Things like looking at vision, knowing when to go and not to go off half-back, defending, and all that sort of stuff.”
Adelaide selected Ryan with Pick No.27 at the 2023 AFL National Draft and the 19-year-old said being involved with an elite Club had not only helped him develop as a player, but also as a person.
“I feel much more professional with what I am doing week in and week out, just the little things like recovery and eating right,” Ryan said.
“Just learning that those little things actually help you out a lot.”
Ryan has featured in all seven of Adelaide’s SANFL games this season, averaging 18.5 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency, 3.3 marks and 3.8 tackles.
While he said the transition to State League footy had been “a big jump” from under-18 competitions, he was enjoying the challenge.
“Obviously it is a big jump from where I was playing at locally, but I am loving it so far,” Ryan said.
“I love running off half-back and taking the game on and doing what excites me.
“It is much more of a challenge for me, there is so much more than just playing football now, there is a lot of structure to it.
“I’m still learning along the way, but I have heaps of people supporting me.”