The year started full of promise for young defender Jordan Ridley, whose eye-catching form in the JLT Community Series forecast a breakout season.
Unfortunately that didn't eventuate for the 20-year-old, who played just six AFL games to add to his previous total of three, and was unsighted at senior level after round seven.
Competing with the likes of Adam Saad, Conor McKenna, Martin Gleeson and Aaron Francis for a spot at half-back, it was never going to be easy for Ridley - the least experienced of the aforementioned - to lock down a position.
But based on what we saw of the former No.22 draft pick at senior level, there was still a bit to like.
Compared to the rest of the league's eligible Rising Stars to play at least five senior games in 2019, Ridley ranked first for marks per game (seven) and disposal efficiency (88.8 per cent).
He produced his best on the Anzac Day stage, too, in what would become his penultimate senior game of the season.
The former No.22 draft pick finished the year with the VFL Bombers, being introduced to new roles (wing, forward) as part of his development and playing his part in the team's run to a preliminary final.
KEY STATS
Games: 6
Goals: 0
Average disposals: 14.8
Average marks: 7
Average rebound 50s: 3.5
Disposal efficiency: 88.8 per cent
BEST PERFORMANCE
There's no better stage than Anzac Day to deliver your best performance of the season, and Ridley did exactly that.
In just his sixth game, he set a new career-high for intercepts (six), along with season-highs for effective disposals (16), uncontested possessions (14), marks (nine) and tackles (three).
His drive out of defence, composure and classy distribution were hallmarks of his afternoon, helping the Bombers mount an exhilarating comeback which ultimately fell four points short.
Ridley lays a tackle during his impressive Anzac Day performance. (Photo: AFL Photos)
2020 VISION
Contracted until the end of 2020, Ridley will be determined to cement a spot in the senior line-up in his fourth season, but it'll be interesting to see where he settles after being used in a variety of positions this year.
Should he remain in defence, he'll face stiff competition from the Bombers' raft of talented half-backs.
But whatever the case, he showed obvious signs of growth in 2019 and will be expected to continue his upward trajectory next year.
