Bodie Ryan to Make AFL Debut Against Fremantle After Persevering Through Three Seasons

Key facts

• Bodie Ryan will debut for Hawthorn against Fremantle on Thursday night in Perth.
• He is the club's third debutant this season, after Jack Dalton (Round 4) and Will McCabe (Round 6).
• Ryan was drafted in 2023 and is in his third season at Hawthorn.
• At VFL level for Box Hill, he averages 21.8 disposals, 5.6 marks, and 2.2 tackles per game.
• In his most recent VFL match, he recorded 19 disposals at 90% efficiency against Collingwood.
• Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney praised Ryan's perseverance.

A Long-Awaited Call-Up

Bodie Ryan will pull on the brown and gold for the first time this Thursday night when Hawthorn takes on Fremantle in Perth. The 21-year-old defender becomes the club’s third debutant of the season, following Jack Dalton (Round 4) and Will McCabe (Round 6). Ryan’s journey to the AFL has been one of patience and persistence. Drafted in 2023 from Glenelg, he has spent three seasons developing his craft at Hawthorn, primarily through the VFL with Box Hill. His selection comes after a sustained run of strong form that has left the club’s football department with little choice but to elevate him.

Consistent VFL Performances Seal the Deal

Ryan has been a standout for Box Hill this season, averaging 21.8 disposals, 5.6 marks, and 2.2 tackles per game. His most recent outing, a VFL clash against Collingwood last Friday night at the Kennedy Community Centre, saw him amass 19 disposals at an extraordinary 90 per cent efficiency. These numbers reflect not just volume but quality of ball use, a trait the club values highly in a defender. Ryan’s ability to read the play and distribute cleanly from the back half has been a hallmark of his game at the lower level.

Versatility and Development as a Defender

Originally recruited as a versatile backman, Ryan has refined his game over three seasons to become a reliable option in Hawthorn’s defensive structure. The club’s Executive General Manager of Football, Rob McCartney, highlighted Ryan’s growth and resilience. “Since being drafted three years ago, Bodie has really had to persevere to get to this point,” McCartney said. “Throughout it all, he has never lost sight of continuing to work on his craft and refining his game.”

A Tough Debut Against the In-Form Dockers

Ryan’s first AFL match will be no easy assignment. Fremantle, currently one of the competition’s form teams, will host the Hawks at Optus Stadium on Thursday night. McCartney acknowledged the challenge, stating the club is “excited to see Bodie make his debut against the in-form team in the competition over in Perth this Thursday night.” The Dockers have been formidable at home, and Ryan will be tasked with holding his own against a potent forward line. His composure under pressure will be tested early.

Perseverance Pays Off

Ryan’s path to the AFL has not been straightforward. Unlike some draftees who debut in their first season, he had to wait three years, honing his skills in the VFL and biding his time. McCartney emphasized that Ryan “truly earned this opportunity” through consistent, high-level football at the state league level. That patience, combined with a relentless work ethic, has now paid dividends. For a player who never lost sight of his goal, Thursday night represents the culmination of years of dedication.

What Lies Ahead for Hawthorn’s Newest Debutant

With Ryan’s debut, Hawthorn continues to invest in its youth, giving opportunities to players who have proven themselves at the lower level. The club’s development pathway appears to be functioning as intended, with Ryan joining Dalton and McCabe as the latest products of the system. How Ryan performs against Fremantle will likely determine whether he holds his spot in the side. But regardless of the result, his selection sends a clear message: hard work and consistent performance at VFL level will be rewarded at Hawthorn.

The bottom line

• Bodie Ryan will debut for Hawthorn against Fremantle on Thursday night in Perth.
• He is the club’s third debutant this season, after Jack Dalton and Will McCabe.
• Ryan averaged 21.8 disposals and 5.6 marks per game in the VFL for Box Hill this season.
• His most recent VFL game featured 19 disposals at 90% efficiency.
• Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney praised Ryan’s perseverance and work ethic.
• Ryan’s debut comes against the in-form Fremantle Dockers, presenting a significant challenge.