By Aaron Cordy
WITH pick 27 the Adelaide Crows select Oscar Ryan from the Murray Bushrangers. The words read out by new AFL CEO Andrew Dillon surprised many on draft night, but after a quiet word from Crows coach Matthew Nicks, Oscar knew his AFL dream had come true earlier than expected.
The Shepparton United hard running rebound defender was expected to get pickup up late in the draft or possibly the rookie draft. That he was there on the night was chance as he was only invited along to support fallow Bushy teammate Connor O’Sullivan, who was taken by Geelong Cats with pick 12.
Oscar landed in Adelaide on Friday and began preseason training on Monday. The transition from talented youngster to draft bolter began last season when Oscar shut down his social media to cut the unneeded distractions in his life. It was a grounding that helped him achieve his dream.
As the well-wishers poured in, it was big Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker’s congratulations text message that excited Oscar the most.
“It’s bloody awesome, I didn’t expect it one bit, especially that night, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” said Oscar on being drafted by Adelaide.
