Sydney young gun Ryley Stoddart has had a taste of senior football and now he’s keen for more.
The fleet-footed defender was one of his side’s best in last Saturday’s 13-point win over the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL, and now he’s on a mission to build on his two senior matches.
“We’ve had a few injuries in the group, which obviously no one wants,” Stoddart told SwansTV.
“But it presents an opportunity for not only myself but for a couple of others to really push our cases. I’ll be doing everything I can to help with some success and hopefully some finals.”
Stoddart signed with the Swans at the 2017 National Draft last November and has impressed in his first season at the Club.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a strong start to his AFL career in Round 10, cycling through a number of positions and slotting a goal as the Swans grabbed an 18-point win over the Brisbane Lions.
He then helped Sydney to a 30-point victory over Carlton in Round 11.
But Stoddart has otherwise honed his trade in the NEAFL, slotting in at half-back and showcasing his scorching pace, pinpoint left-foot kick and sound football smarts.
The Victorian says he’s quickly found his feet in Sydney and at the Swans.
“I’m loving my time in Sydney and at the Club,” Stoddart said.
“The Club’s been awesome to me. All the boys and all the staff have been so welcoming.
“I’m loving playing and training here at the SCG.
“I’m just hoping to get more consistency into my game and body. I’ve had a couple of injuries, which has been a bit annoying. But I’m getting back on the right path now and am hoping to finish the year strong.”
Stoddart played a starring role in last Saturday’s win over the Demons, snaring two sensational goals as Sydney slammed home six majors to Canberra’s zero in the last quarter.
He banged home a goal from outside 50 to hand the Swans the lead for the first time in the match, before soccering the Sherrin through from the goal square later in the quarter in a show of quick thinking.
“I had already kicked one goal and, being a defender, I got a bit goal-hungry,” Stoddart said with a laugh.
“I ran down looking for the front-and-centre and I was lucky enough that instead of punching it over the line they punched it straight into my pathway. It was just a bit of a reflex thing – I just swung the boot at it and luckily enough it went through.”
A host of other Swans vying for AFL call-ups produced brilliant games of their own, with ruckman Darcy Cameron (30 disposals, 72 hit-outs, nine marks) and midfielder Dan Robinson (46 possessions, one goal) leading the way.
Cameron made his AFL debut in Sydney’s match with the Gold Coast Suns in Round 18, while Robinson has played six senior games and seven NEAFL matches this season.
Forwards James Rose and Robbie Fox and backman Colin O’Riordan also fired in the nation’s capital.
Stoddart was full of praise for his star teammates.
“Some of those boys had massive games,” Stoddart said.
“Cameron fed the midfielders all day, Robinson was winning it out of there, Rose, Fox – they all cracked in and put their heads over the footy and led us to a great victory.
“It puts pressure on the senior boys to keep playing well because everyone wants to play in the AFL.”
The Swans are now set to face the Giants in an AFL curtain-raiser at Spotless Stadium on Saturday morning.
