By Tara Murray
Werribee recruit Ryan Eyers is focused on filling a void in the defensive line up of the defending Victorian Football League premiers.
Eyers has spent the past two VFL seasons with Geelong, but decided to make the move to Werribee in the off season seeking more opportunity.
The 21-year-old said it was loving his time at the Tigers so far.
“It’s a bit of a change from Geelong to Werribee,” he said. “I had two years at Geelong and it was a great experience there and I loved every minute of it.
“There was a bit more opportunity at Werribee and it drew me to it. I’ve loved it so far.”
Eyers said he took so much time out of his time at Geelong including the opportunity to do some training with the AFL side.
He said it gave him an opportunity to see what the really good players do.
“It was good to see how to train at their standard and hopefully I took some learning out of it.”
Werribee approached Eyers about making the move to them and living in the Geelong region, it meant he didn’t have to travel too far.
He said there were a few different factors that he considered when deciding to choose Werribee.
Eyers said it was humbling that the Tigers were keen to get him on board.
“They’re a really strong team and they had some unbelievable success last year,” he said. “I’d heard great things about the club and I knew a fair few in the team
“The location was part of it.”
Eyers joins a growing country contingent at the Tigers.
His club back home is Corowa-Rutherglen, where he won the club best and fairest last year.
“It makes you feel like home,” he said. “There’s a strong group from the Ovens and Murray at Werribee.
“Jedd Longmire [another recruit] and I played a fair bit together last season. It’s nice to move into VFL level together.
“We’re happy to play together again.”
The key defender played nine games for the Cats the past two seasons having joined the club after winning the Murray Bushrangers best and fairest award.
Eyers still holds the AFL dream but is focused on cementing his spot at Werribee and see where it takes him.
With Nathan Cooper and Nick Coughlan retiring, the Tigers were keen to add some depth to their backline.
Eyers is hoping he is part of the answer.
“Nathan Cooper was the best key defender for a number of years,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to put in some good footy and lock it down and make it my own.
“Hopefully I’ll fill it for years to come.”
Eyers had his first taste of match practice with Werribee as it played a practice match against Frankston.
He said it was nice to get out there and tick off the first game and try a few different things.
“We’ve got a couple more practice maths and hopefully we’ll put it all together come round round.”
