AFL Player #24: Nick Bryan

[Lore]

Contract Status: Out of contract 2025
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 16, ant555

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

I don't think he's got the luxury of that much time.

He would not want to be lacking in physical presence in 18 months time. A kid like Visentini will come on quickly if it happens because he's naturally got the weight (and the attitude with it).

The project ways always for a Draper / Bryan combination. I've come to accept that it would be for Bryan to play the higher minutes on-ball and for Draper to be more of an impact player who rests forward (I initially thought Bryan would be more of a forward). Draper was already dominating the VFL by the time Bryan was recruited. He was given a 2 year contract extension at the end of year 1 and he then dominated year 2 before doing his ACL early in year 3 (at the end of which Bryan was drafted). I've made this point and its been attacked before but the simple reality is that clubs don't use a second round pick on a ruck project, who is 3 years younger than the rookie they just recruited and who is flying, for the sake of a long term number 2. It signals real belief in the player recruited. It has to because it necessarily means getting nothing from a list spot from a minimum 3 years. It's never a guarantee that the player will make it, as no such guarantee can exist, but it is a guarantee that the player will be given every opportunity to make it (unless character is put in issue or there is bad luck with injury).

4 years later, the next kid has been recruited. That he is a rookie means it's likely seen as a bit more speculative. But odds are still that Visentini will be given enough time that he will be in a position to challenge Bryan for a spot in the team. Bryan would not want to be a 7th to 8th year player being thrown around by 3rd to 4th year player in training. If he doesn't have the physicality by then he will be overtaken.

Of course he does. We’re certainly not going to cut him from the list any time soon. Goldy has max 1-2 years left you’d think so in an ideal world he’d be ready to transition at the right time. Either that or we just start playing one ruck and 2MP has to pinch hit and we play Caddy or Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

 

[ant555]

Really good this week.
22 disposals . 33 hitouts. 8 clearances. 4 marks. 2 tackles.
In the best few on the ground.
Rucked against Riley Bowman (who was with our VFL for a bit in 2019 and Box Hill before Southport) and Brayden Crossley

Brayden Crossley

Age

24

Ht

198cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.4

2star

K

4.5

2star

HB

4.9

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

2.2

4star

G

0.5

3star

No current season stats available

D

9.2

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

2.2

4star

G

0.6

3star

(former GC academy player who was rubbed out for 12 months for having Metabolites in his system on match day and has been at Southport since 2021).

 

[BrunoV]

Of course he does. We’re certainly not going to cut him from the list any time soon. Goldy has max 1-2 years left you’d think so in an ideal world he’d be ready to transition at the right time. Either that or we just start playing one ruck and 2MP has to pinch hit and we play Caddy or Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

I didn't say we were going to cut him, I said that he does not want to be stuck in competition with Visentini. Visentini has the natural big man's game. He will throw his weight around and pull a mark down. Even just look at their bodies, Visentini is already the same size it has taken Bryan 5 pre-seasons to grow into. While he does not have Bryan's athleticism he is hardly a lumberer. If Bryan is competing with Visentini it will be because he is still struggling with the physical side of the game. He will lose his spot in the hierarchy if that happens.

I do not think there is necessarily a competition between the 3 players (including Draper). Visentini could, in theory, replace Wright in the existing structure. To my eye Visentini moves at least as well as Wright does. We'll have to see how his forward game develops.


I haven't watched much VFL yet. The recent game against Southport is my first full game for the season. Bryan was good, really good at ground level. He hit targets by foot, including when winning clearances following up his own ruck work. Ruck work was good. Marking was okay. He could impose himself more on a game.

He is a good enough footballer, athlete and natural ruckman for that game to be his default level. I don't look at that game and think he's beyond the underwhelming standard most recently displayed at AFL level.

 

[Howard Moon]

FRINGE BOMBER RUCK EXPECTED TO DEPART

Young Essendon tall Nick Bryan is reportedly set to leave the Bombers in pursuit of more opportunity at the top level, after nearly five years at the club for just 14 senior games.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph spoke on the 22-year-old’s potential movement via Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle last night.

“Nick Bryan, he’s been hugely hyped; I think there were four clubs after him last year as the Essendon ruckman – he decided to stay on a two-year deal,’ Ralph said.

“He was just in okay form, his last two weeks have been absolutely massive though, and I think it’s my pretty strong expectation now that he’s going to have to move on – we know Sam Draper’s the long-term ruckman.

“This is a club that Brad Scott said will play two ruckman; even when Draper was out, Bryan didn’t get a game, so sometimes you just have to move on and get to a second club.”

Given his youth, fellow panellist and Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark played devil’s advocate, wondering why he wouldn’t wait until a veteran teammate retired.

“If contract’s (until) next year, surely he would see that Goldstein’s going to retire sooner rather than later – don’t they need to be a little patient at times?” Clark questioned.

“I think enough clubs out there would say he’s an accomplished ruckman; he’s great with hitouts to advantage – (but) is he an aggressive enough ruckman?” Ralph said in response.


“I think he’ll be on the move.”


I call BS

 

[eth-dog]

Jon Ralph says he's going, therefore he's staying.

 

[faible]

FRINGE BOMBER RUCK EXPECTED TO DEPART

Young Essendon tall Nick Bryan is reportedly set to leave the Bombers in pursuit of more opportunity at the top level, after nearly five years at the club for just 14 senior games.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph spoke on the 22-year-old’s potential movement via Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle last night.

“Nick Bryan, he’s been hugely hyped; I think there were four clubs after him last year as the Essendon ruckman – he decided to stay on a two-year deal,’ Ralph said.

“He was just in okay form, his last two weeks have been absolutely massive though, and I think it’s my pretty strong expectation now that he’s going to have to move on – we know Sam Draper’s the long-term ruckman.

“This is a club that Brad Scott said will play two ruckman; even when Draper was out, Bryan didn’t get a game, so sometimes you just have to move on and get to a second club.”

Given his youth, fellow panellist and Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark played devil’s advocate, wondering why he wouldn’t wait until a veteran teammate retired.

“If contract’s (until) next year, surely he would see that Goldstein’s going to retire sooner rather than later – don’t they need to be a little patient at times?” Clark questioned.

“I think enough clubs out there would say he’s an accomplished ruckman; he’s great with hitouts to advantage – (but) is he an aggressive enough ruckman?” Ralph said in response.


“I think he’ll be on the move.”


I call BS

It's just Jon Ralph saying he thinks Bryan should ask for a trade isn't it?

 

[joey_jo_jo]

All that article focuses on is hit out numbers to deduce that bryan is due a call up to seniors.
You need a lot more from your ruckman than tap work in the modern game. Especially with the new rules this year, it seems much harder to get effective hit outs.

 

[BomberManU]

Bryan will get games soon, due to Draper out. Ralph knows this is likely and will link it back to his comments somehow being the catalyst.
Jon Ralph throwing his opinion out there is a long way from 'reportedly set to leave'.

 

[Keystone agony]

Contracted, we wont be letting him go this year unless for a top 15 pick

 

[Yoda_]

FRINGE BOMBER RUCK EXPECTED TO DEPART

Young Essendon tall Nick Bryan is reportedly set to leave the Bombers in pursuit of more opportunity at the top level, after nearly five years at the club for just 14 senior games.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph spoke on the 22-year-old’s potential movement via Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle last night.

“Nick Bryan, he’s been hugely hyped; I think there were four clubs after him last year as the Essendon ruckman – he decided to stay on a two-year deal,’ Ralph said.

“He was just in okay form, his last two weeks have been absolutely massive though, and I think it’s my pretty strong expectation now that he’s going to have to move on – we know Sam Draper’s the long-term ruckman.

“This is a club that Brad Scott said will play two ruckman; even when Draper was out, Bryan didn’t get a game, so sometimes you just have to move on and get to a second club.”

Given his youth, fellow panellist and Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark played devil’s advocate, wondering why he wouldn’t wait until a veteran teammate retired.

“If contract’s (until) next year, surely he would see that Goldstein’s going to retire sooner rather than later – don’t they need to be a little patient at times?” Clark questioned.

“I think enough clubs out there would say he’s an accomplished ruckman; he’s great with hitouts to advantage – (but) is he an aggressive enough ruckman?” Ralph said in response.


“I think he’ll be on the move.”


I call BS

I hate sports journalism in this country. Jon Ralph parading around his opinion as fact

"I think he'll be on the move"

 

[Old Campaigner]

Gone

 

[Bjchan13]

I watched that segment last night, Ralph was all over the shop when queried, as usual.

 

[ant555]

My info is if he gets limited games he will ask for a trade but in saying that unless it is something good the club will not be interested. From what I hear they are still disappointed with the physical impact he has on the game and it is that physical impact that has kept Draper in front of him .

I am a bit torn on this. He has great ability but the physical part is a real issue which I have been vocal on. Comes down to what we actually want. He is not a strong contested marking ruck so do we want Bryan who had good tap work and decent around the ground (VFL) or do we cut our loses and find a ruck who may not be as polished but has a bit of mongrel.

 

[BomberManU]

My info is if he gets limited games he will ask for a trade but in saying that unless it is something good the club will not be interested. From what I hear they are still disappointed with the physical impact he has on the game and it is that physical impact that has kept Draper in front of him .

I am a bit torn on this. He has great ability but the physical part is a real issue which I have been vocal on. Comes down to what we actually want. He is not a strong contested marking ruck so do we want Bryan who had good tap work and decent around the ground (VFL) or do we cut our loses and find a ruck who may not be as polished but has a bit of mongrel.

Been a while since I've seen him play, but in general play he's quite skillful, from memory?

 

[carnthedons]

Been a while since I've seen him play, but in general play he's quite skillful, from memory?

Yeah he’s the Tim English style mid who had a growth spurt rather than the bash and crash Shane Mumford type

 

[ghostdog]

I miss Flip.

 

[jdstorm]

My info is if he gets limited games he will ask for a trade but in saying that unless it is something good the club will not be interested. From what I hear they are still disappointed with the physical impact he has on the game and it is that physical impact that has kept Draper in front of him .

I am a bit torn on this. He has great ability but the physical part is a real issue which I have been vocal on. Comes down to what we actually want. He is not a strong contested marking ruck so do we want Bryan who had good tap work and decent around the ground (VFL) or do we cut our loses and find a ruck who may not be as polished but has a bit of mongrel.

I’d be curious how he goes with physicality when playing AFL as part of a group that’s committed to playing physically.

Bryan probably will never be an instigator type (like Draper) but players generally rise to the standards of their leaders/majority of their teammates. See Cox/Jones/ Parish ect this season

To me what Essendon need most is just that down the line Marking threat. I’d be very interested in just throwing a crazy offer at Tim English. Assuming he wouldn’t cost any decent pics.

 

[Chief Hopper]

Who can blame a player for leaving for more opportunity, or money.
From what I've seen, he's still too light weight atm.
The fact rucks can now wrestle oppo rucks in duels means he has a way to go.

 

[naraku]

I would bet Geelong will try to tempt him.

Stanley is winding up, Blicavs probably not too far off either. Next in line is, I don't actually know....

 

[Old Campaigner]

I mean if he's not good enough to get games for us I'm not sure why we'd stand in the way of him leaving other than to try to extract a better offer.

 

[ant555]

Been a while since I've seen him play, but in general play he's quite skillful, from memory?

He is. The only thing that has held him back has been developing his body and now the lack of being able to impose himself on games.

 

[Ati Tude]

I miss Flip.

I read an article today that a few clubs are trying to get him to nominate for the MSD. Would need AFL clearance given he retired rather than delisted. But they have done it before.

He went home to Tassie and playing there. Dont think we are one of the clubs interested. Good for him if he gets another gig. Worked fine for us. We got Goldy.

 

[ant555]

I’d be curious how he goes with physicality when playing AFL as part of a group that’s committed to playing physically.

Bryan probably will never be an instigator type (like Draper) but players generally rise to the standards of their leaders/majority of their teammates. See Cox/Jones/ Parish ect this season

To me what Essendon need most is just that down the line Marking threat. I’d be very interested in just throwing a crazy offer at Tim English. Assuming he wouldn’t cost any decent pics.

I wonder about English. In a lot of ways Bryan is like English other than the marking where English ranks elite for marks and above average for contested marks. He is however not an imposing physical presence either . How much has he actually helped the Dogs ?
Do we need a Toby Nankervis type who ranks average in the contested mark space but when fit rucks all game and has a real physical presence around the ground .
It is a tough call. I think there is no doubt Bryan can be a good ruck.

 

[jdstorm]

I wonder about English. In a lot of ways Bryan is like English other than the marking where English ranks elite for marks and above average for contested marks. He is however not an imposing physical presence either . How much has he actually helped the Dogs ?
Do we need a Toby Nankervis type who ranks average in the contested mark space but when fit rucks all game and has a real physical presence around the ground .
It is a tough call. I think there is no doubt Bryan can be a good ruck.

I think the dogs are a mess of a club that is wasting the most talented list in the comp with dedication to a championship coach who is living off a grand final win that isn’t really his to take credit for as it was won by Bont and Stringer. (If you have a Team that talented you really should finish top 4 not scrape into the 8 won in spite of Bevo not because of him)

Re English. I think there’s inherent physicality in being an elite Wing mark/above average contested mark. Besides good mids can just read that a dominant ruck and shark their work. To me Mobile marking work is what’s harder to negate.

In 2-3 years Bryan is probably the player English is now. I think The question is do you want to wait for that or do you believe that this list has enough in place to contend next season.

Given Essendon’s massive cap room and that it’s 2 big list holes are Ruck and SF (more specifically Wing Marking and a player capable of forward pressure and goals) I would try and spend big in those spots and Front load the deals and make a push now/next season.

you unfortunately loose some young talented players for less then they are worth in this situation but I don’t think the alternative of being cheap but mediocre while trying to extract maximum value from all players is viable with where the list is.

 

[ghostdog]

I’d be curious how he goes with physicality when playing AFL as part of a group that’s committed to playing physically.

Bryan probably will never be an instigator type (like Draper) but players generally rise to the standards of their leaders/majority of their teammates. See Cox/Jones/ Parish ect this season

To me what Essendon need most is just that down the line Marking threat. I’d be very interested in just throwing a crazy offer at Tim English. Assuming he wouldn’t cost any decent pics.

Didn't we see an example of English's physicality only recently? I was not very whelmed.

Edit: never mind. Just read your post above.