A MOVE to Nirranda has been a breath of fresh air for defender Katie Ryan.
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The second-year Blue has been a familiar face on the Warrnambool and District league scene for over a decade, having spent “eight or nine” seasons with East Warrnambool before a move to Merrivale and then Nirranda.
She has been a star in defence as Nirranda has emerged as a major flag threat under the guidance of Steph Townsend the past two seasons.
“I’ve loved it, completely loved it,” Ryan said of her time so far at Nirranda. “Everyone is so welcoming, it’s been fantastic.”
Ryan is part of a formidable defensive unit at the Blues, having worked alongside wing defence Georgia Haberfield the past two seasons and teaming with incoming goal keeper Stacey Graham, who joined the team midway through the year.
“She’s settled in really well,” Ryan said. “She’s great, she’s a really hard worker.”
After a slow start proved costly in Nirranda’s semi-final against Dennington, Ryan was confident the Blues could bounce back in Saturday’s A grade grand final.
“That was our first final and a lot of girls haven’t had a lot of experience in finals,” she said.
“I think previous games have shown we can match it with them. It think it’ll be a good, tough, close game.”
Nirranda was the first of the two sides to lay down the challenge this season, winning the round 11 clash between the sides 53-51.