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Liam Ryan: Former West Coast Eagles star produces early Mark of the Year contender for new club St Kilda

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Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
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VideoEx-Eagle Liam Ryan produces an epic grab for new club St Kilda in round one.

Liam Ryan has wasted no time in taking to the skies for his new club, with the former Eagle producing an early Mark of the Year contender in St Kilda’s clash with Melbourne.

WATCH IT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Ryan launched onto the shoulders of Changkuoth Jiath on the MCG wing in the third quarter of Sunday’s clash, and while the ball spilled out upon his return to the ground, he did enough to be paid the grab.

Ryan rises for the grab.
Camera IconRyan rises for the grab. Credit: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos

The superb effort may have come at a cost, however, with the 2018 premiership Eagle sporting a heavily-strapped right shoulder after appearing to injure it while landing.

Ryan on top of Jiath.
Camera IconRyan on top of Jiath. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The Game AFL 2026

Ryan’s knock was tested out early in the final term, with the forward crunched in a tackle by Melbourne’s Daniel Turner and looking sore in the aftermath.

The 29-year-old has history when it comes to classic grabs against the Demons. He snared the 2019 Mark of the Year when he launched on top of Max Gawn in the western goalsquare at Optus Stadium, to the delight of a packed West Coast crowd.

Ryan marks over Gawn in 2019.
Camera IconRyan marks over Gawn in 2019. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Melbourne have been the opposing club for five Mark of the Year efforts this century - the most of any club.

Sam Darcy was awarded the prize against the Demons last year, with Isaac Heeney (2018), Matthew Lloyd (2008) and Ashley Sampi (2004) all doing the same across the past quarter-of-a-decade.

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