Subiaco excitement machine Liam Ryan is ready to make the most of his AFL opportunity after being drafted to the West Coast Eagles last night.

The club made the WAFL’s 2017 Bernie Naylor medallist’s dream of playing at the highest level a reality when it recruited him with pick No.26 in yesterday’s national ballot.

Ryan said he worked harder than ever to prove he was worthy of selection after missing out last year.

“I didn’t have much support last year compared to this year. I needed that support and once I got it I got a bit fitter, worked on my defensive output and basically worked a lot harder than I did last year,” Ryan said.

“I worked very hard with [Subiaco senior coach] Jarrad Schofield. He was on my back telling me what to do. He gave me all the support I needed, along with all the other Subiaco boys.

“It was my dream to make an AFL football club and it came true.”

Ryan was among the most exciting players available in this year’s draft pool. In addition to booting 73 goals in season 2017, the 21-year-old went close to earning a best goal and mark nomination every week in the WAFL.

With that in mind, it was no surprise to learn he drew much of his inspiration from Hawthorn superstar Cyril Rioli.

“I modeled my game on Cyril Rioli,” he said.

“I love Cyril’s speed; he’s a real x-factor player.”

Should all go according to plan, Ryan might be lining up alongside another Rioli, Willie, next year.

“I met Willie last year sometime with a cousin of mine because he went to school with him at Clontarf [Aboriginal College],” Ryan said.

“He actually gave me a call to congratulate me on getting drafted to the club. It was really nice of him.”

While he has plenty of weapons in his arsenal, Ryan reckons he can go to another level under the guidance of West Coast’s coaching staff.

He said building his tank would be the key to his development.

“I just want to get fitter. When I get fitter I reckon I’ll get better,” he said.

“My fitness and my defensive work, that’s what I need to get better at.”