Rory has been part of the furniture at the Greens since before he could crawl. He has been ball boy, mascot, junior player and number 1 supporter. Only son of Greens legend – ex-player, long time sponsor and die-hard supporter Pete Ryan, Rory was always going to bleed green.

You would be hard pressed to find anyone at the club that doesn’t know who Rory is and has fond memories of Rory getting around the Greens.

Rory played his first game for the Juniors in 2009 at 7 years of age and played every year in Juniors until he was old enough to play grade. Rory played rep footy from 2012 – 2018 with Wildfires and NSW Country Juniors 2017-2018, he made the NSW Country Colts in 2021. Rory then made his First Grade Debut 2021 v University (photo with Mick Gill below) and has been killing it ever since.

It’s great to see Rory’s progression from cheeky little Greens mascot and ball boy to not so little anymore 1st grade player!

Congrats Rory, it has been a great journey watching you grow at the club and we look forward to continuing to watch you grow.

From Jamie
In 2007 Merewether Carlton were first grade kings and club champs, Big girls don’t cry was a hit for Fergie, and Rory Ryan was 4 years old. Even at 4 he was a veteran at the grounds, ball boy, water boy, but mostly silly boy.

As green as Pete Alcock’s dulcet tones reading the score, a schnitzel burger or a try in green corner, this kid has seen it all. I’ve seen him as a kid, a teenager, a colt and now as a first grade scrum half. Many will reminisce of the good times and beers they have shared over many years with our own Rory Ryan, which in itself is quite an achievement for a 19 year old. Just like the photo (below), I’ve still got no hair and he has blonde hair, but the positions are swapped, and each weekend I get to see this great young guy out there putting on a masterclass and creating the next chapter in the story of Merewether Carlton. So keep being you mate, keep being silly, get Merewether Carlton back to the rightful place as kings and remember that big girls don’t cry. Jamie