Career
Ryan wore the number 23 for Collingwood. In a match for Collingwood against Fitzroy Football Club in 1935, Ryan had to kick for goal from 35 metres out after the final siren with Collingwood trailing by six points (a goal would draw the match). Hundreds of spectators ran onto the ground while Ryan was lining up for goal and just as he was about to kick, a police trooper on horseback rode in front of Ryan, startling him.
The horse reared but Ryan was still able to clear the trooper to kick the goal.
