The Gold Coast SUNS have reignited mature-aged former West Coast forward Ryan Davis’ AFL career after taking the Swan Districts star with pick No. 38 in Friday morning’s rookie draft.
 
Since being delisted by the Eagles after 14 senior appearances, the 26-year-old utility has played 134 league games in the WAFL, accumulating a handful of accolades in the West.
 
The North Shore product played in the Swans 2010 premiership, and has represented Western Australia, as well as winning the best and fairest in 2014 and finishing runner-up in this season’s count.
 
“Ryan is a high half forward from Swan Districts. He played at West Coast a few years ago, played a few senior games there before going back to WAFL level. He refined his game there,” GC SUNS recruiting boss, Dom Ambrogio, told goldcoastfc.com.au following the rookie draft.
 
“He is a great tackler, a fantastic mark and he’s been one of the best players in the WAFL for a long period of time.”
 
Renowned for his pure match winning ability, Davis transitioned into a permanent midfielder this season, averaging 21 possessions and six tackles, as well as impacting the scoreboard with 24 goals for the year.
 
During the 2015 season, Davis became one of the best defensive pressure players in the competition. Against Subiaco in round 20, the former Eagle laid 20 tackles to highlight his thirst for hunting the opposition.