This year’s COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a blessing in disguise for new Richmond recruit Samson Ryan.

The 20-year-old, 206cm ruckman from Queensland, who was taken by the Tigers at pick 40 in last week’s 2020 AFL national draft, had only one team to play for once the COVID restrictions kicked in – the Sherwood Magpies in the AFLQ competition.

In a frenetic six-week period during the previous year, Ryan, a Brisbane Lions Academy member, played for five different teams. He lined up for the Lions Academy (NAB League), the Lions reserves, the Allies (under-18 national championships), Redlands (NEAFL) and Sherwood (AFLQ).

This season, however, only the AFLQ competition remained viable once the COVID restrictions kicked in, so Ryan was able to devote all his football time and energy into playing for Sherwood.

According to Sherwood’s president Andrew Thomson, Ryan’s development was significantly enhanced by him playing for the one team, and in a competition against men. 

“He came on in leaps and bounds this year by settling into a single program rather than bouncing from team to team,” Thomson said.

“He had couple of games when he was clearly the best player on the ground.

“It did not surprise me that he was drafted.

“The kid is 206cm with skill. Kids like that don’t grow on trees and we knew someone would take notice.’’

“He is a good kid, a confident kid.”