Eagles rally around Ryan after car crash

West Coast small forward Liam Ryan was taken to hospital on Monday after crashing his car into a tree.

West Coast's Liam Ryan

West Coast's Liam Ryan is in his first year in the AFL. (AAP)

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says the club will rally around Liam Ryan after the goalsneak crashed his car into a tree on Monday.

Police were called to the scene at about 6am on Monday after Ryan's vehicle hit a tree on Devonshire Terrace in the Perth suburb of Armadale.

Ryan was taken to Armadale hospital for a health assessment.

Although his physical injuries aren't serious, West Coast want to ensure his mental health is being looked after.

"At the moment our concern is with his health and to make sure he's mentally ok," Simpson told Channel 7.

"It's been a big transition for Liam, with playing AFL.

"He recently had the birth of his baby daughter. So just dealing with the AFL system and all those things is something we're working through."

Details about the incident remain unclear, with West Coast still investigating what happened.

When asked whether he was confident Ryan hadn't done anything wrong, Simpson replied: "I'm not sure. But that's secondary at the moment."

Ryan, who was selected with pick No.26 at last year's national draft, has played six games for West Coast this season.

The 21-year-old has become an instant hit among Eagles fans for his spectacular marking attempts and talents at ground level.

Ryan booted seven goals in his first three games, before a serious ankle injury sidelined him for 10 weeks.

He has managed just two goals in three games since returning.

Monday's incident has put Ryan's spot in doubt for Sunday's crunch clash with GWS at Optus Stadium.

The goalsneak has been praised by his teammates this season for his sense of humour and fun nature.

In the lead-up to Saturday's clash with the Crows, Ryan hid behind some training material in the Adelaide Oval change rooms before jumping out to give teammate Liam Duggan a fright.

And at halftime of the match, Ryan joined in with teammates Willie Rioli and Lewis Jetta for a short dance picked up by the change room camera.

Ryan gave the camera a grin and a wave afterwards.

Eagles captain Shannon Hurn said it was important for players to show a bit of "enjoyment and humour".

"It would be the worst thing ever coming into work ... if they say, 'This is how you have to behave, this is how you have to act'," Hurn said.


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Source: AAP


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