West Coast forward Liam Ryan has opened up on his July car crash incident, and how the crash changed the course of his season.
Ryan booted two goals on Saturday night and helped the Eagles to a 16-point win over the Pies, to lock in a home preliminary final against either Hawthorn or Melbourne on Saturday September 22.
However, Ryan's come a long way already this season, after an early morning car crash in July after breaking the team's alcohol policy the night before.
Ryan crashed into a tree and was suspended by the club for two games, before making his return after a four-game absence in Round 20.
“That car crash really straightened me up,” Ryan told AAP.
“I really had a lot of support from the boys, mainly Jetts and mainly JK, because he’s from the same area as me.
“I had a bit of stuff going on off the field. But now I’m fine, I’m all cleared with all that, and just focused on finals footy.”
Ryan admitted he's struggled with AFL life so far, although as the season has progressed he's been able to settle in to life as an Eagle.
“It’s been a hard road for me — coming from a little home, moving down here, hardly knowing people,” Ryan said.
“But I’m loving life at the moment.”