O Brother, another Flyin Ryan: GNFL player Darren Ryan leaping after West Coast big brother Liam Ryan

Much like his older brother, West Coast star Liam Ryan, the sky is the limit for 15-year-old Darren Ryan or “Bubba D”, who shares his sibling’s love of taking a screamer. “Just keep doing your thing, man.” That was the message West Coast Eagle Liam Ryan had for his younger brother, Darren, during an interview on Tuesday, when the 15-year-old colts player said he was keen on joining Liam at the West Coast Eagles. There are a few steps to go before then — he’s just completed a season with Rovers colts, kicking a goal in a grand final as Rovers went down to Brigades 11.13 (79) to 4.2 (26). Darren said he had enjoyed the colts season and was looking forward to following Liam’s advice and ultimately, hopefully in his footsteps. “It was good, playing with the boys,” he said. “He just tells me to keep going.” Premiership-winning league captain Farren Parfitt, a childhood friend of the Ryan family who came through the juniors with Liam and coaches Darren in colts, said the younger Ryan can go as far as he wants to. “I’ve known him since he was in nappies, I grew up with his brother, him and his brother lived two houses up from me in Karloo,” Parfitt said. “He’s got the talent to go play colts down there (eds: in WAFL), but he might have to wait for his opportunity. “He’s (Darren) got the talent to go to wherever he wants to, he’s just got to put in the work. “It’s really up to him. He said there could be another Ryan at Rovers soon — younger brother Michael, 12, has played for Chapman Valley but could be a future recruit, following in the footsteps of dad Darren, who he said had hundreds of games, multiple JJ Clune medals, and a legacy at the club that remains unmatched. “He’ll come over soon,” Parfitt said. “I’ll get him over. “Liam and Bub D’s dad is a legend at Rovers, so they should all come here. “We all say that his dad is the greatest player to play for Rovers.”