AFL trades: Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder on GWS Giants' radar

Tom Naghten

AFL trades: Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder on GWS Giants' radar image

GWS are reportedly interested in bringing Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder to the club next season as they approach a potential big man shortage.

Ryder has fallen out of favour at the Power in recent times, with former Eagle Scott Lycett the preferred choice in Ken Hinkley's side of late.

The Giants, according to AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary, are weighing up an approach to the 31-year-old who is out of contract at the end of the season.

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Ryder is understood to be looking for a two-year deal, while the Power are reportedly unwilling to offer more than one.

The 2017 All Australian ruckman could fill a need in Western Sydney, with Leon Cameron's side currently dealing with a dilemma in that department.

Rory Lobb left the club over the off-season, Shane Mumford, who came out of retirement for 2019, is battling some niggling injuries and has missed the past two matches, and Dawson Simpson, 30, has been in and out of the senior side.

Emerging big man Matthew Flynn will be out long term after it was confirmed he ruptured his ACL in the NEAFL over the weekend, while first-year tall Kieren Briggs is still developing his game.

Ryder is originally from WA, meaning a move to Sydney would be the fourth state he has lived in after starting his career at Essendon.

Selected with pick seven in 2005 draft, Ryder played nine seasons for the Bombers before heading to Port ahead of the 2015 season.

He was forced to sit out in 2016 as part of his ban following the Essendon supplements saga, but returned better than ever to make the All Australian team in 2017.

Ryder has played 12 senior games this season and may need to move if he wishes to prolong his career.

If the Giants are looking to bolster their ruck stocks with experience, they may also fancy a crack at Adelaide veteran Sam Jacobs, who has fallen behind Reilly O'Brien in the pecking order at the Crows.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.