'We want to help him': rookie Eagle Liam Ryan crashes car into tree
West Coast captain Shannon Hurn said the club wanted to "help" young forward Liam Ryan after he crashed a car into a tree in Armadale on Monday morning.
Police attended the scene on Devonshire Terrace just after 6am and took the 21-year-old to Armadale Hospital for a "health assessment".
"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the traffic crash is currently under way," a police spokesperson told WAtoday.
At a press conference on Monday afternoon, Hurn said the club was still trying to establish what happened to their emerging rookie.
"There are numerous thing that go could have gone on, you can jump to conclusions," he said.
"He hasn’t been hurt badly but we don’t have all the details yet."
The captain said West Coast had programs and personnel in place to support Ryan, if needed.
"We want to help him, we’ve got people with him at the moment," Hurn said.
"Our senior leadership group has players that every player can speak to. The club has resources, the AFL is mindful of it as well; to make sure every player can talk about their lives with someone."
Ryan has been praised by players for his positive and cheeky persona since arriving at the Eagles.
Hurn said it was important to have a range of characters at the club.
"There’s been enjoyment around the club. You have to work hard, train with purpose - but you also have to enjoy what you’re doing," Hurn said.
"We encourage that personality at the club, while fitting in with the club. We want players to feel comfortable expressing themselves.
"There are behaviours we expect ... but senior players have to help younger players understand how to be themselves and be professional."
Hurn said there was no curfew in place for players at the club.
"It’s about commonsense and being able to come in and do duties at the club," he said.
West Coast had earlier released a brief statement that revealed Ryan had been involved in a "a minor traffic accident".
"The club is ascertaining details of the incident, which also involved a minor traffic accident which was attended by police," the statement read.
"When the club has established the facts surrounding this matter it will release those details, but until then no further comment will be made."
Ryan wooed West Coast fans in his first three AFL games since debuting against Sydney in round one, with several high-flying marks, clever goals and pace and nous up forward.
Drafted with the club's no.26 pick last year, Ryan began his AFL career strongly, averaging 13 possessions, four marks and 2.3 goals before a serious ankle injury sidelined him for eight matches.
He has struggled to find that early-season form three matches into his return to action in round 13 against the Swans, averaging eight touches, two marks and less than a goal as the Eagles also suffered a slide in form, losing three games on the trot since their round 12 bye.