STAR GOALKICKER WAYNE RYDER DIES AFTER FALL

The tributes have been flowing for Wayne Ryder, the exciting goal kicking half forward who delighted Perth fans in an all too brief football career in the second half of the 1980s.

Wayne, who joined the Demons as a 21 year-old in 1985, suffered a serious brain injury after a fall and was admitted to Royal Perth Hospital on August 7. He sadly died four days later surrounded by family members.

Wearing guernsey number 43, Wayne played just 75 league games before bowing out of the WAFL in 1989. But he kicked a total of 177 goals and formed a lethal scoring combination with champion full forward Mick “Stinger” Rea. In each of his first two seasons he kicked more than 50 goals. His best individual effort was 10 goals in a home game against East Perth in 1987.

Mick Rea said that when Malcolm Brown, the Perth coach at the time, went to Northam to recruit Wayne, he wasn’t at home. Instead he was at the local oval with a football working on his skills.

“Wayne was very elusive, could take a good grab and kick goals from anywhere,” Mick said. “And he would always pass the ball off if a teammate was in a better scoring position – he was very unselfish. I would put him in the same class as Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron.”

Other former players were also lavish in their praise. Rod Grljusich said in an online post: “I get asked sometimes about Nicky Winmar  …. I say there was Wayne Ryder at Perth who was every bit as good.”

And former league captain Russell Thompson said: “Not too many as good in the air and on the ground like this man – always one of my favourites.”

Wayne’s funeral service will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Wellington Street, Northam, on Friday September 8, followed by a burial at the Northam Cemetery.

Footnote: Wayne’s daughter Stacey, has launched an online fundraising drive to give her father “the send-off he deserves”. 

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Written By:

Peter Kennedy