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"I think the pile on TDS is way over the top. Im not saying the premise of this blog is a pile on. I just mean in general.
He missed a bad tackle in the first game and dropped a ball on the weekend. Outside of that he has just been middle of the…"
He missed a bad tackle in the first game and dropped a ball on the weekend. Outside of that he has just been middle of the…"
"2 weeks before season helps prob back by rd 3/4"
In our well-justified praise of Ryley Smith, there is a big thing being missed: his ability to read the game and footy IQ.
He is a couple of plays ahead and anticipating every move both in defence, primarily at present, but also in setting up the attack.
He is remarkably intelligent as a footballer, and I suspect he is smart off field as well.
Just watch how he puts himself in position to harass the kicker when the opposition are on the 4th and 5th tackle.
Just watch the way he reads the fullback and wingers positioning to kick for field position and game management. He might not be nailing those 40-20s yet, but don't be surprised if he does soon enough.
His elite cricketing skills would help. It's not just about peripheral 360-degree vision on a cricket wagon wheel. It's about space.
When he is on-field we seem so much more organised.
I feel somewhat sorry for poor young TDS who is being compared to him, and whilst he is a handy and promising player, he is not in the same league as our Ryley.
Ryley is a born leader.
Now before I get more excited about what I am saying, stop, and think: Who does he remind you of?
No, not Reed Mahoney. He is "steam roller fodder" in comparison. This kid stands up to the biggest forwards and still downs them.
He is not particularly fast. He hardly misses a tackle. He can kick. And manages to find himself in the right place at the right time.
Any more guesses? That's right, Cameron Smith. The GOAT! He is exactly the same style of player.
We have something special with this young man.
Ryley Smith opens up in a broad-ranging interview with SEN Radio, 2 December 2025.