Ryan out to steal Subiaco’s Thunder

TERRITORIAN Ryan Nyhuis ( pictured) will be aiming for a fourth premiership in as many years when Peel Thunder take on Subiaco in today’s West Australian Football League grand final at Domain Stadium.

In his second season as an AFL rookie, the former Nightcliff and NT Thunder defender has been a consistent performer for Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate.

His strong form led to promotion to the Dockers’ senior list and a round 16 debut, where he produced a stunning four-goal performance to help his side beat North Melbourne by four points.

The 21-year-old went on to play four senior games for Fremantle before returning to the seconds.

Nyhuis, who made a name for himself in the NTFL and NEAFL for his shutdown roles on older, more experienced opponents, will almost certainly get the job on Subiaco’s Bernie Naylor medallist Liam Ryan.

Ryan has highlighted his AFL draft credentials with 73 goals in 22 games for the Lions this season.

But the high-flying forward has been well held in previous match-ups against Nyhuis, who restricted him to one major in the Thunder’s grand final win last year.

“I’ve played on him a couple of times now. It’s always a good battle against him,” Nyhuis told the club website.

The Thunder will likely use the maximum allowed 15 Fremantle-listed players in today’s decider.

Before getting picked up by Freo in 2015, Nyhuis won two flags in less than 12 months.

The first was with Nightcliff’s NTFL under-18s where he was awarded the Haritos Medal for best on ground, with the next in the NEAFL when NT Thunder edged out Aspley by one point at TIO Stadium.