The East Warrnambool player has a background in a variety of sports, including martial arts.

As well as netball, she is skilled in hockey and tennis.

But her favourite sport is taekwondo.

“I was five when I started,” she said.

“I got my black belt by the time I was 10.

“I fought in a few national championships but I haven’t done it for a couple of years now.”

So does she ever pull a martial arts move on the netball court?

“Definitely not,” she laughed.

Her Bombers side is hoping to battle its way into the club’s history books on Saturday at Reid Oval.

After the red and black claimed its first A grade netball flag last year, the side is aiming to make it two-in-a-row this weekend when it takes on the same opponent as 2009 — Merrivale.

Ryan arrived at East three seasons ago, which was her first taste of league netball after focusing on hockey.

The 22-year-old said last year’s season decider was a new experience.

“I was nervous but mostly excited,” she said.

“It was something I’d never done before.

“I think personally it will help me this year because I know what to expect.

“It’s a big game.”

The wing defence believed East’s strong team mentality played a huge role in seeing it advance to another grand final.

“We do everything together as a team and we make sure we look after each other,” she said.

The team focus is highlighted by the Bombers training most days in the latter stages of their premiership campaign.

“The last few weeks have been pretty intense,” Ryan said.

“We’re getting out on the court, going to the gym, doing recovery.

“It’s all about sticking together.”

She believed that Saturday would be a tight tussle like the second semi-final, when the Bombers came from behind to pip the Tigers by a goal in a low-scoring affair.

“I think it’s two good teams who are going to have a real battle,” she said.

“I’ll be making sure I’m putting on lots of pressure and just working 100 per cent.”