Ryan received the AFL Rising Star nomination for round 20 after gaining 28 possessions and taking 16 marks in the Dockers' 23-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Domain Stadium.[6] Ryan also received two votes in the 2017 Brownlow Medal from this round 20 match. Ryan kicked his first AFL goal in round 13 of the 2018 season during fremantle's 57 point win over Carlton.
The 2021 AFL season saw Ryan play 19 games, missing three games due to injury, and finishing sixth in the Fremantle Dockers best and fairest.[8]
Ryan played all 22 games during the 2022 AFL season, a career best, as well as in Fremantle's two finals appearances.[9] A highlight of his season being his 32 disposal effort against the Western Bulldogs in round 21.[10] Ryan played his 100th game during round 16 against Port Adelaide.[11] Ryan was among Fremantle's best during their elimination final against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium, collecting 31 disposals and a game-high 25 kicks.[12] He signed a four-year contract extension at the end of the season tying him to Fremantle until at least 2027.[13]
Round one of the 2023 AFL season saw Ryan gather a game high 37 disposals against St Kilda.[14] He was on of Fremantle's best players in round 20 during their 7 point win over Geelong at Kardinia Park collecting 28 disposals.[15] He finished the season ranked elite in marks, kicks and metres gained by Champion Data.[16]
Ryan collected 33 disposals and ten marks in Fremantle's opening game of the 2024 AFL season against the Brisbane Lions,[17] and 23 disposals the next week against North Melbourne. He collected 27 disposals against Adelaide and was an integral part of Fremantle's defense helping to keep the crows star forwards goalless.[18] As of the mid-season bye he was ranked elite in disposals, spoils, kicks, kicking efficiency, marks, rebound 50s and meters gained.[19]
^The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.