Darcy Byrne-Jones’ Port Adelaide teammates poke fun at ‘poster’ material after Liam Ryan mark

The West Australian
VideoLiam Ryan produced a Mark of the Year contender with his latest specky over Darcy Byrne-Jones.

Darcy Byrne-Jones’ teammates are concerned he’s facing a long year ahead.

The Port Adelaide defender provided the launchpad for Liam Ryan’s flying mark at Optus Stadium last weekend, which has attracted significant attention as a mark of the year contender.

Byrne-Jones’ teammates have warned the 25-year-old can expect to feature on a few posters in the coming months.

“I was in the front row seat for that one,” Port winger Karl Amon said on SEN SA.

“I was probably 10 to 15 metres away and it was one of the better marks that I’ve seen in my lifetime.”

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“He’s going alright, Darc, I think we had a bit of a joke about it after, that’s all you can do about it.

“I think some of the boys said he’s going to be on a few posters for the rest of the year, unfortunately for Darc, but we go again on Friday night.”

Speaking after the 37-point win, Ryan said his mindset when going up with the flight of the ball is pretty simple.

“Just jump on the bloke’s head,” Ryan told Channel 7’s Xavier Ellis.

“That’s my aim, anyway.

“I’m not going to stand around like a statue.

“So I’ve got to do my thing, you know?”

After such an impressive display, even the players on the receiving end of the treatment knew all they could do was stand and admire.

It’s not the first time the All Australian forward has posterised an opponent.

The 24-year-old climbed on Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn’s head in round nine 2019, with a stunning grab that won mark of the year.

Camera IconLiam Ryan of the Eagles marks the ball over Max Gawn of the Demons during the 2019 AFL round 09 match. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Ryan became the third Eagle to win the award, following in the footsteps of Ashley Sampi (2004) and Nic Naitanui (2015).

West Coast coach Adam Simpson is a fan of the highlight reel moments as much as anyone, but gave a shout-out to the talented small forward’s grunt work around the ground.

“He does some really special things,” Simpson said.

“But his work rate, his work off the ball, that’s been terrific for us.”

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