Chris Ryan

Recruited from the country town of Kilmore, Chris Ryan was a powerfully built forward who made two fleeting appearances for the Blues at the turn of the century. Standing 184cm and weighing 88kg, he was a giant by the standards of the era, brought in to add a significant physical presence to the Carlton attack. His career served as a curious bookend of fixtures against Melbourne; after debuting in a loss at Princes Park in early 1902, he spent over a year out of the senior side before being recalled for a victory at the MCG late in the 1903 season. Despite a promising return of three goals from just two league matches—proving he could effectively find the big sticks—Ryan was unable to secure a permanent place in a Carlton squad that was rapidly improving under legendary secretary-coach Jack Worrall.