For mature-aged rookie Ryan Davis, his AFL journey has now come full circle.
After being delisted by the West Coast Eagles after the 2009 season when the AFL was still a 16-team competition, the 26-year-old lined up for the GC SUNS against his former club in Thursday night’s NAB Challenge defeat.
Speaking to goldcoastfc.com.au directly after the game, Davis said the young SUNS took plenty of confidence from a spirited effort against a far more experienced Eagles squad.
READ: Gritty performance by young SUNS
“Great signs for the young guys, certainly take some serious amount of confidence out of that game with the way we performed,” he said.
“Going into next week and into the early rounds of the season, especially with so many players out, it can only be great for our club.”
The Swan Districts premiership player kicked two goals for the SUNS and was pleased to have contributed to the cause.
“That was pretty nice,” Davis said when asked about his goals.
“A nice little cheeky 50-metre penalty so I’ll take that one and the other one was a bit of a mongrel punt but it still went through the sticks.”
Although he’ll need a bit of luck to be a part of Gold Coast’s round one side due to rookie list rules, Davis is enjoying his time back on an AFL list and has settled in well on the Gold Coast.
READ: Ryan David thankful for second opportunity
“(It’s) good to have a run around again with that higher intensity running so it was pleasing, especially with guys I’m comfortable with now so I really enjoyed the experience out there,” Davis said.
