West Coast’s senior indigenous team member Lewis Jetta has called for patience with young forward Liam Ryan, saying the key for Ryan was to learn from his mistakes as he developed as a footballer and person.

Speaking at West Coast’s training session at Busselton this morning, Jetta said Ryan was no different to him and many other people in making errors as a youngster.

Ryan had to have his left ankle iced after developing soreness during the session but still had a shot for goal during an impromptu goalkicking competition before the Eagles broke from training to sign autographs for a big crowd at Bovell Park.

The talented forward has been at the centre of a couple of off-field incidents in the off-season and left a training camp in the Stirling Ranges early after struggling with the demands of the camp.

Jetta said Ryan was more at home once the footballs came out for drills.

“He just loves being Liam and being on a footy field and kicking balls and having fun,” he said.

“I think his mind is back in normal training. All we can do is guide him through. Off-field stuff – he is only young. He is going to make mistakes. I did when I was younger. There are a lot of people that make mistakes. As long as he learns from it and moves on we are happy.”

Jetta said he took his role as the club’s mentor to younger indigenous players very seriously.

“I remember Adam Goodes being my senior player at Sydney. He took it very seriously,” Jetta said.

“We are in this industry and if you do the right things it sets you up for life. Not just on the footy field but off-field as well. It turns you into a better person and that is what I am trying to do with these young boys.”

Jetta also said he was recovered from the calf muscle injury he had suffered during the grand final, with an off-season strengthening program appearing to be working for him.

“I feel good. I had a program in the off season which has worked for me to get it stronger and at this stage they (calf muscles) feel strong when I am running. No problem,” he said.