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Ryder looks to depart Port for AFL rival

3 minute read

Port Adelaide are bracing to lose ruckman Paddy Ryder to a rival AFL club in Melbourne.

PADDY RYDER of the Power tackles AARON SANDILANDS of the Dockers during the 2017 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Fremantle Dockers at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia.
PADDY RYDER of the Power tackles AARON SANDILANDS of the Dockers during the 2017 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Fremantle Dockers at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images

All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder is poised to leave AFL club Port Adelaide.

Ryder is exploring options for a return to Melbourne after falling behind Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams in Port's ruck pecking order.

"It would appear Paddy is looking at his options elsewhere," Power coach Ken Hinkley told SEN radio on Tuesday.

Ryder is off-contract at Port, a club he joined in 2015 after nine seasons at Essendon.

The 31-year-old is understood to have sought a two-year deal from Port, who were only willing to offer a one-year contract.

The Bombers and St Kilda are believed to be suitors for the 2017 All Australian.

Ryder played 17 AFL games for the Power this season but was dropped at one stage and Port appear committed to using Lycett, recruited after winning a premiership at West Coast last year, as first-choice ruck.

Ladhams earlier this month signed a contract extension tying him to Port until the end of the 2022 season.

The 21-year-old Ladhams impressed in his initial five AFL games this season.

Port wingman Karl Amon also appears set to be traded, at his request, to a Melbourne club.

Victorian-born Amon, 24, requested a trade at the end of last season but a deal wasn't brokered.

Hinkley said there was "some risk" to losing the left-footer after his best season which returned an average of almost 20 disposals a game.

But the Power coach expected stalwart Justin Westhoff, who turns 33 in October, to continue his career.

Westhoff, who won Port's club champion award in 2018, will be offered a fresh one-year deal.

"I would be surprised on day one of pre-season if Westy isn't running around like he always is," Hinkley said.

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