As expected, Paddy Ryder will join Port Adelaide for the 2015 season.
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Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder will join Port Adelaide for the 2015 season after the two clubs struck a deal on Wednesday.
Port Adelaide handed over picks 17 and 37 to acquire the 26-year-old who asked the Bombers for a trade following the effects of the supplements scandal.
Ryder has played 170 games and kicked 117 goals in his nine AFL seasons.
Power coach Ken Hinkley welcomed Ryder to the club, saying he was looking forward to him working alongside fellow ruckman Matthew Lobbe.
“We think Paddy can really add a lot to our team, both to share the ruck duties and work in tandem with Lobbes to help out Schulzy and Westy up forward,” Hinkley said.
“Paddy is clearly a gifted player and we believe, with the footy environment we’re creating at Alberton, he can take his game to a new level.
“We wish Paddy and his family all the best with the move and we are sure the extended Port Adelaide family will make them feel welcome in Adelaide straight away.”
Port list manager said it was imperative the deal kept the current playing list together.
“The focus through this whole process was to not disrupt our playing group while filling an obvious need,” Cripps said.
“Over the past few seasons we’ve brought in quality players through early picks in the draft and this year the focus has been more on adding to the list through trading those picks.”
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