Another young Whyalla footballer is making a name for himself in the SANFL and hopefully the AFL's talent scouts are closely observing his progression through the ranks.
His name is Ryan McInerney, a former West Whyalla footballer who came up through the colts to emerge as a classy 'A' grader at the age of 15 years.
Ryan featured strongly in Westies 2005 grand final win, playing well beyond his years to help his side to the premiership.
He was a Port Adelaide talent squad member; made up of skilled players from all over the Eyre Peninsula.
It is an SANFL innovation for footballers to extract the maximum out of these talented lads, with the Port Adelaide Magpies club under the direction of Tony Bamford responsible for the Eyre Peninsula zone.
Ryan moved to Adelaide in late 2005 and started in the Magpies under 17 team being given several games in his first year and made it to the under 19 at the end of that year.
This season he gained promotion to the under 19 side and even played a couple of reserves matches.
His season was just so consistent for he featured in the best player list on a regular basis.
At AAMI Stadium, before 30,000 odd spectators he played in the Port Adelaide versus Sturt under 19 grand final, which was a curtain raiser to the league game, Central District versus North Adelaide.
Ryan won the prestigious honour of being adjudged best player on the ground.
He kicked three goals the first of which was in the third quarter and in the words of coach Mark Tyler "with a miraculous left foot snap", to put the pressure on the opposition.
The win made it 'back to back' flags for Ryan in the under 19's.
This Whyalla born lad is just what Port Magpies are on the look out for and with the league coach Tim Ginever in attendance Ryan certainly showed his talents at the right time.
He has speed, is competitive and can read the play well and does not shirk an issue.
It is obvious as an observer that he has leadership qualities and looks set to enter the big league, body size an area he will have to target to reach higher levels.
Ryan shares accommodation with Josh Walker, who also played in the under 19 grand final, featuring in the best players and is an ex-Weeroona Bay player.
The other housemate is Levi Greenwood who has had a full season in Port Adelaide's league side.
The AFL talent scouts are well aware of his ability.
How invigorating it is to see first hand the quality footballers enjoying success in the 'big sticks' at such as early age.
May they go far in their chosen sport.
Wonderful news just at hand from a very proud father in Mark McInerney that son Ryan had gained the honour of being adjudged fairest and best player for the under 19 Port Adelaide Magpies team in the 2007 season, at the presentation dinner on Friday, October 19.
What a great season of football for Ryan.
From observations during the season it appeared obvious from his consistent form that he would poll well.
A splendid effort.
Mark actually admitted that after being a supporter of Glenelg due to brother Peter having played in their league side years ago he is now nearly a convert of Port Adelaide.
It certainly is fact that blood is thicker than water.
I will certainly follow Ryan's career with much interest.
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