West Coast Eagles premiership hero Liam Ryan reveals why he sought trade to St Kilda as deal made official

West Coast premiership forward Liam Ryan says the chance to play alongside several Indigenous stars including Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was a major reason for his trade to St Kilda.

The Eagles received a second-round pick tied to the Saints for next year in exchange for Ryan and a third-round pick tied to the WA club for 2027. It is the first time in AFL history that a draft pick has been traded two years in advance.

Ryan joined the Saints on a three-year deal after kicking 158 goals in 125 games for the Eagles in eight seasons, earning All-Australian selection in 2020.

“I’m really excited to be joining St Kilda and taking on this next chapter in my career,” Ryan said.

“There’s a great energy about this group, and you can feel the hunger to improve and do something great. I want to bring my experience and help spark the forward line but also keep learning and pushing myself to be the best I can for the team.

“I was also really drawn to St Kilda’s strong First Nations programs and culture. The Saints have one of the largest First Nations groups of any club, and to play alongside guys like Bradley Hill, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Marcus Windhager, who are making an impact both on and off the field, was a huge drawcard for me.

“On a personal level, moving to Melbourne also presents great opportunities for my young family. Having the chance to build this next stage of our lives in such a supportive environment was a really important part of my decision.

“My time at West Coast, and the chance to be part of a premiership, will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for the friendships, lessons and support I received there, but I know I’ve got so much more to give. I’m excited to bring those experiences with me to St Kilda and put everything into this next chapter.”

The 29-year-old was drafted by West Coast as a mature-age option out of Subiaco with pick No.26 in 2017 and played a historic part in the Eagles’ 2018 premiership victory in only his 13th game.

Ryan requested a trade to the Saints despite having a season to run on a two-year extension he signed in early 2024.

It came on the back of a 22-goal season in 20 games for Ryan under first-year coach Andrew McQualter, while also spending stints in the midfield.

As revealed by The West Australian, Ryan’s request to play under Ross Lyon came because of personal circumstances, with the Geraldton-product having a close relationship with several St Kilda players including star Wanganeen-Milera, Hill and Lance Collard.

“While we are disappointed to lose Liam, we are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved with our club over the past eight years,” Eagles head of football John Worsfold said.

“Liam delivered some unforgettable moments for our members and fans, and he will always hold a special place in our club’s history for his part in the match-winning chain of possession in the 2018 grand final.

“He grew to become a terrific leader amongst our First Nations players, and we will miss his unique energy around the club.

“We wish Liam, Evana, and their children well for the future and they will always be part of the West Coast Eagles family.”

St Kilda have been one of the biggest players in this year’s off-season, signing Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni out of Carlton as free agents, while they traded out their first draft pick for this year to Gold Coast in exchange for midfielder Sam Flanders.

They also pulled out of a deal for Greater Western Sydney defender Leek Aleer despite being linked to the backman for most of the season.

Ruckman Rowan Marshall has requested a trade out of the Saints after they landed De Koning, with Geelong his ideal destination.

West Coast still have several deals to go before Wednesday’s trade deadline.

First-round draftee Campbell Chesser is set to get his wish and be traded to Carlton, with talks continuing to progress.

Reports emerged that the Blues’ Pick No.41 had been one of the options floated as part of a deal for the uncontracted 22-year-old.

Negotiations between the Eagles and Richmond for tall defender Tylar Young had also not progressed too far on Thursday, but it is understood a deal will be done.

West Coast have also made no secret that they would like to continue to better their draft hand but will likely have to wait for other deals to go through with Gold Coast — who holds pick seven and eight — working through a deal for Melbourne star Christian Petracca.

Meanwhile, The West Australian can reveal that East Perth product James Tunstill has re-signed with dual reigning premiers Brisbane for another season just weeks after being emergency for their grand final win over Geelong.