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Samson Ryan
Ryan with Richmond's VFL team in April 2021
Personal information
Born (2000-12-09) 9 December 2000 (age 24)
Pambula Hospital
Original teams South Toowoomba/Sherwood (QAFL)
Redland (NEAFL)
Brisbane Lions Academy (NAB League)
Draft No. 40, 2020 AFL draft
Debut Round 15, 2021, Richmond vs. St Kilda, at MCG
Height 206 cm (6 ft 9 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
Position Ruck / key forward
Club information
Current club Richmond
Number 32
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2021– Richmond 25 (15)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2025 season.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Samson Ryan (born 9 December 2000) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Early life, junior football and state-league football

[edit]

Ryan grew up in Merimbula, a coastal town on New South Wales' far south coast.[1] He played football with the Pambula Panthers and the Merimbula in the Sapphire Coast Australian Football League as well as cricket in his pre-teen years, before focusing on cricket in his early teen years.[1] Around that time, he was offered a cricket scholarship to Toowoomba Grammar School, prompting his family to move to Queensland to accept the scholarship.[1][2]

Ryan returned to football while in Toowoomba and became an impressive prospect, joining the Brisbane Lions Academy program and later representing Queensland at the Under 17 National Championships in 2018.[3][1]

Ryan played representative football with the Lions Academy side in the 2019 NAB League Boys season, and was named by Aussie Rules Draft Central as the best performed ruck of any of the five competing Academies, after averaging 26 hitouts a game across five matches.[4] That same year, he represented Queensland as part of Allies side at the 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships.[5] In the later part of the season, Ryan played QAFL football with Sherwood Districts and later made his NEAFL debut with Redland.[6][7]

Though part of the Lions' academy, the club was not given priority access to match any other club's bid on Ryan at the 2019 AFL national draft owing to his relatively late move to Queensland.[8] In any case he was eventually passed over by all 18 clubs.[6]

Ryan intended to return to state-league football in 2020, initially signing with the Canberra Football Club but ultimately being unable to play at the level after the NEAFL season was cancelled as a result of state border closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.[9] He returned instead to Sherwood in the QAFL, where he played 10 matches as the club's lead ruck.[10][11][12]

Junior statistics

[edit]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
H/O
 Hit-outs

NAB League Boys

Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T H/O G B K H D M T H/O
2019 Brisbane Lions Academy 60 5 0 — 29 23 52 10 7 129 0.0 — 5.8 4.6 10.4 2.0 1.4 25.8
Career 5 0 — 29 23 52 10 7 129 0.0 — 5.8 4.6 10.4 2.0 1.4 25.8

Under 18 National Championships

Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T H/O G B K H D M T H/O
2019 Allies 30 1 0 — 1 1 2 0 0 21 0.0 — 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 21.0
Career 1 0 — 1 1 2 0 0 21 0.0 — 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 21.0

AFL career

[edit]

2021 season

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Ryan was drafted by Richmond with the club's first pick and the 40th selection overall in the 2020 AFL national draft.[10]

He first represented Richmond as part of the club's reserves side, featuring in VFL pre-season matches in March and April before the season officially began in April.[13][14] Ryan continued to play in VFL matches during the season proper, kicking three goals in the first official match of the season and playing mostly as a forward during this period.[15][16] After a four-goal performance in late-May and following an injury to lead AFL ruck Toby Nankervis, Ryan was considered for senior selection but eventually passed over for the club's round 12 match against Essendon.[17][18][19] Instead he was given the role as lead ruck at reserves level and after a COVID-19 outbreak induced three-week bye, impressing in the club's next match with 30 hit outs and one goal against Williamstown.[20] Following that match, Ryan was selected to make an AFL debut in round 15's match against St Kilda at the MCG.[21][22] After a poor performance that including just one hitout and no disposals, Ryan was immediately dropped back to reserves level the following week.[23][24][25][26]

2022 season

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In 2022, Ryan did not register a senior game for Richmond Football Club, with AFL Tables showing “0” games played for that year. [27] Instead he spent his time developing in the VFL, honing his skills as a forward/ruck. According to the club’s extension announcement in January 2022, he had kicked 17 goals from nine VFL games in 2021 and was seen as a project player with “strong work-ethic and aerial ability”.[28] While he didn’t break into the senior side, this year laid groundwork for his later opportunities.

2023 season

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In 2023, Ryan made a significant step up: he played 14 senior AFL games, kicked 12 goals, and averaged roughly 12.2 hit-outs per game.[29] Mid-season he was enjoying a run of consecutive appearances (from Round 2 through Round 16) in the senior side and brought dual-role value as a forward who can pinch hit in the ruck. [30] He also dealt with an ankle injury and spent time back in the VFL when form or fitness demanded, but overall 2023 was a clear developmental leap.

2024 season

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In 2024, Ryan made 8 games for the Richmond Tigers’ senior side, recording 3 goals and averaging just under 7 disposals and about 7.9 hit-outs per game. [31] He suffered an ankle injury and spent significant time at VFL level, which curtailed his ability to build on his 2023 momentum.[30] The club nonetheless extended his contract until 2027, signalling faith in his downward-trajectory recovery and long-term role as a forward-ruck option.[32] Overall, 2024 was a step back in terms of senior game time, though the underlying investment suggests Richmond still view him as part of their future plans.

2025 season

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In 2025, Ryan featured only 2 senior games, with totals showing 15 disposals and 34 hit-outs across those appearances.[29] He also dealt with a foot injury noted in round 17 by the club medical staff, which affected his availability. [33] At the same time, list commentary ahead of the season suggested he was behind other emerging tall players in the pecking order, which limited his opportunity.[34] In short: 2025 was a low-output year for Ryan at AFL level, signalling the need for him to regain full fitness and significantly improve performance to re-establish himself next year.[35]

Rule changes for 2026 and their impact on Ryan

[edit]

The AFL confirmed rule changes for 2026 affecting ruck contests. Ruckmen will no longer be allowed to cross the centre circle line before a centre ball‑up, and the requirement for a nominated ruck is relaxed. [36] These changes shift the focus back to jumping contests rather than wrestling-style rucks. [37] For Ryan, this is positive. His athleticism and tap work make him suited to the new style, and the relaxed nomination rules allow him to rotate as a forward‑ruck without needing to be a full-time ruck.[38] The rule changes could help him increase senior opportunities and play to his strengths in contests.

Player profile

[edit]

Ryan plays as a ruck and tall forward. He is notable for his contested marking ability.

AFL statistics

[edit]

Updated to the end of round 24, 2025.[39]

Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
H/O
 Hit-outs
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T H/O G B K H D M T H/O
2021 Richmond 32 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
2022 Richmond 32 0 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
2023 Richmond 32 14 12 5 66 33 99 40 11 171 0.9 0.4 4.7 2.4 7.1 2.9 0.8 12.2
2024 Richmond 32 8 3 2 31 21 52 19 7 63 0.4 0.3 3.9 2.6 6.5 2.4 0.9 7.9
2025 Richmond 32 2 0 0 6 9 15 2 4 34 0.0 0.0 3.0 4.5 7.5 1.0 2.0 17.0
Career 25 15 7 103 63 166 61 22 269 0.6 0.3 4.1 2.5 6.6 2.4 0.9 10.8

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d McMaster, Jacob (16 December 2020). "Birthday draft for young Tiger Samson Ryan". Eden Magnet. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  2. ^ "TGS Old Boy gets Drafted to AFL". Toowoomba Grammar School. 10 December 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Under-17 Queensland team named to face Victoria Country". AFL Queensland. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  4. ^ Williams, Peter (15 May 2019). "2019 Draft Central Academy Team of the Series". Aussie Rules Draft Central. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  5. ^ Williams, Peter (9 May 2020). "Allies announce 50-player squad for national championships". Aussie Rules Draft Central. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  6. ^ a b Dawson, Andrew (26 November 2020). "Western Magpies' players on the cusp of being drafted when the AFL clubs select players". Courier Mail. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  7. ^ Kelly, Dan (19 July 2019). "MATCH PREVIEW: Redland v Southport". NEAFL. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  8. ^ Cleary, Mitch (9 April 2021). "Academy defectors: Who's reaping rewards from your club's work?". AFL Media. Telstra Media. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  9. ^ Webster, Jess (7 November 2019). "2020 NEAFL Recruitment Update: Your club's list changes". NEAFL. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Lions Academy graduate Samson Ryan lands at Tigerland". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  11. ^ Dawson, Andrew (11 December 2020). "Richmond Tigers recruit Samson Ryan may not be the only player drafted from Sherwood Magpies". Courier Mail. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  12. ^ "2020 AFL Draft: Queensland's Top Prospects – Part One". AFL Queensland. Gameday. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  13. ^ Mann, Brenton (13 March 2021). "VFL Tigers surge past Bombers". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  14. ^ "Tigers name new-look VFL squad". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  15. ^ Mann, Brenton (16 April 2021). "VFL Tigers back in business with win over Zebras". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  16. ^ "VFL Report: Round 2". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 28 April 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  17. ^ Gould, Russell (3 June 2021). "Richmond could turn to rookie big man Samson Ryan for Saturday's Dreamtime game in Perth". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  18. ^ "Tigers make two changes for Dreamtime clash". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  19. ^ "VFL Report: Round 6". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  20. ^ "VFL Report: Round 10". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  21. ^ "Samson Ryan to debut against the Saints". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 24 June 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  22. ^ "Tigers to unleash 206cm 'project player', flag hero back from injury". AFL Media. Telstra Media. 24 June 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  23. ^ Ractcliffe, Damien (25 June 2021). "ACL avoided as Richmond's Noah Balta diagnosed with syndesmosis injury". The Age. Nine Entertainment Co. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  24. ^ "Fantasy form watch: Big numbers are back as we say 'bye-bye, byes'". AFL Media. Telstra Media. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  25. ^ Kalac, Grace (2 July 2021). "VFL Team: Morris back for Bullants battle". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  26. ^ "Tigers bring in five for Suns clash". Richmond FC. Telstra Media. 30 June 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  27. ^ "AFL Tables - Samson Ryan - Stats - Statistics". afltables.com. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  28. ^ "Samson Ryan signs Richmond extension". richmondfc.com.au. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  29. ^ a b "AFL Tables - Samson Ryan - Stats - Statistics". afltables.com. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  30. ^ a b "Samson Ryan | AFL". richmondfc.com.au. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  31. ^ "Samson Ryan 2024 AFL Statistics - FinalSiren.com". finalsiren.com. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  32. ^ "Samson Ryan signs on". richmondfc.com.au. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  33. ^ "Injury Report: Round 17, 2025". richmondfc.com.au. 1 July 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  34. ^ "Your club's best 22 in 2025: New roles, bolters and fresh faces". afl.com.au. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  35. ^ Szlapek-Sewillo, Mateo. "2025 AFL Season Previews: Richmond". www.onepercenters.net.au. Retrieved 7 November 2025. He's [Toby Nankervis] the only recognised ruck on the list and, with due respect to Samson Ryan, it's not like he's blocking the path of a talented young prospect.
  36. ^ "Seven rule changes announced by AFL". richmondfc.com.au. 29 October 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  37. ^ "AFL introduces sweeping new rules for 2026 season". 7NEWS. 29 October 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  38. ^ Cellini, Aidan (29 October 2025). "The SEVEN rule changes for the 2026 AFL season". Zero Hanger. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  39. ^ "Samson Ryan". AFL Tables. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
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