"It's where I want to be and what I want to do: ride those bumps and waves and ultimately have that feeling of enjoyment when we have success."

Emerging Saint Ryan Byrnes speaks about his far-from-conventional debut season, the “biggest footy brain” who has fast-tracked his game, as well as growing his impact at senior level and well into the future.

Listen to the full interview through the media player below.

Podcast guide

0:00 - Introduction
1:35 - A new Saint in the squad
2:21 - The first footballing steps
3:36 - Draft day comes calling
4:20 - A conventional start to AFL life, but then...
7:28 - 'Ready-made'
9:10 - Earning a well-deserved debut, bringing family into the moment
12:00 - A growing leader in-house
14:36 - Ryan and Ratts
16:40 - Finding feet at senior level
18:48 - 'Above the shoulders'
20:17 - Refining the midfield craft with Ross and Bytel
23:40 - First goal feelings