As a mature-aged recruit, Bryan was drafted in the sixth round (no.73 overall) by Carlton in the 2004 AFL Draft. Drafted as a 22 years old, Bryan was given a chance after showing enough at VFL level for both Sandringham and Frankston. He made his debut for Carlton in Round 11, 2005 against Sydney and showed an immediate sign he was an aggressive and mobile ruckman, having 20 disposals and 17 hitouts. He played the next 11 games, before being omitted for the last round of 2005. In round 21 he amazingly had zero disposals, but managed a career high 20 hitouts.