Essendon's Paddy Ryder on verge of walkout

The Age is reporting that Ryder is on the verge of walking out on Essendon to join either Brisbane or GWS. Although his preference is apparently to play in a non-traditional market, what are the chances Melbourne could convince him to become a Demon? It's not impossible to change someone's mind...might just cost a bit more coin.

I think he's just the type of player we need, given Jamar's career is winding down and the rest of our ruck stocks are injury-prone and unproven. I hope that Roos & Co get in his ear ASAP as it not only would he be an asset to the MFC, but it's always nice to stick one up the Bombers!

Absoultely. Would definitely take him.

I wouldn't take anyone from Essendon with the possibility of a ban hanging over their heads.

Not worry the risk, safe options only.

I shadowy this is one of the reasons why so many players have stayed as Essendon.

Don't rate him as a player, and he has none of the leadership qualities we really need. When you add on the fact that anyone from Essendon has "that" cloud over their head, it's a resounding no.

If he wasn't at Essendon I'd be interested, but it also sounds like he wants out of Victoria.

He could have the means to walk out on his contract ~ Clause in CBA agreement between AFL players and AFL gives scope for Essendon players to walk.

Problem would be if the saga wore on and on as a result of the Essendon/Federal Court case, especially if there was an appeal or more dithering on ASADA's side or if WADA took it to CAS. Would you take Ryder if you knew he faced a ban of any length from half a season upwards?

Also, if there's any truth in this story at all, how can the Bombers select him to play in a final at the weekend?

Also, if there's any truth in this story at all, how can the Bombers select him to play in a final at the weekend?

Like we played Chip.

Like we played Chip.

The differences being threefold:

(a) "if there's any truth" assumes definitely knowing that his intentions are to leave the club. Paul Roos has commented on more than one occasion that if knew for sure that Frawley was going, then he would be playing him at Casey;

(b) this week's elimination final is a more important game than the dead rubbers that Melbourne have played over more than the past couple of months. Certainly, our game against North on Saturday night barely registered a blimp on the Richter Scale next to Essendon's game against the same club at the weekend. I'm sure Bomber Thompson would want to know that every player on his team has his heart 100% in a successful result and not be thinking of next year up north.

© if Frawley goes its to better his career at a stronger club on favourable terms and conditions. He's a free agent unlike Ryder who would be seeking an out on breach of contract grounds which is a far different and more serious scenario for a player wanting to leave a club.

Also, if there's any truth in this story at all, how can the Bombers select him to play in a final at the weekend?

Because he's still contracted with them for this season and is in their best 22. I don't understand this mentality we have that just because a player is leaving at the end of the season a club should refuse to play them. You're paying them so why not play them? Unless they are impeding the development of a long term player and you aren't playing finals you'd still play them while they're under contract.

Putting aside the possibility for bans, then of course we should have a crack.

He is a versatile, athletic, mid twenties tall player. We need a ruckman (for Jamar), a key forward (for Clark) and with Frawley's likely departure another tall defender. Not many blokes available that could play all 3 spots.

Putting aside the possibility for bans, then of course we should have a crack.

He is a versatile, athletic, mid twenties tall player. We need a ruckman (for Jamar), a key forward (for Clark) and with Frawley's likely departure another tall defender. Not many blokes available that could play all 3 spots.

Amazingly, someone such as Cam Pedersen can - albeit not to the level of Ryder.

As per the peptides thread on the main board - shame he wants to go to a non-traditional football state; how does he feel about a non-competitive football team like the Dees??

He won't come to us so hardly worth talking about.

I reckon this is just the beginning for Ryder - it sets the scene for him suing the Dons for placing his health at risk and may start many other players following in his wake.

Surely this makes Hirds position even more untenable, along with Doc Reid and Bomba Thompson.

Essendon may well implode and I wonder about the position of players in the draft going to Essendon. Could they refuse on the basis of the long term viability of the club. Would not like to see my son going into such a chaotic environment.

Straight swap

Jamar/Fitzy for Ryder/Zaharakis.

And a bag of louie.

He won't come to us so hardly worth talking about.

I reckon this is just the beginning for Ryder - it sets the scene for him suing the Dons for placing his health at risk and may start many other players following in his wake.

Surely this makes Hirds position even more untenable, along with Doc Reid and Bomba Thompson.

Essendon may well implode and I wonder about the position of players in the draft going to Essendon. Could they refuse on the basis of the long term viability of the club. Would not like to see my son going into such a chaotic environment.

Would put us in a bad position.

Just heard that news on the radio and thought that it could be directly related to us.

Thought that a deal with blease to essenscum could be possible

Just heard that news on the radio and thought that it could be directly related to us.

Thought that a deal with blease to essenscum could be possible

EFC would have to be on drugs to take Blease

Just heard that news on the radio and thought that it could be directly related to us.

Thought that a deal with blease to essenscum could be possible

Don't need to trade, he will be a delisted free agent.

Would put us in a bad position.

Would have thought that we are now in good shape off field. No similarity to Essendon at all

Would have thought that we are now in good shape off field. No similarity to Essendon at all

That might be correct but as a parent of a kid coming into the system I wouldn't have thought Melbourne would be seen as a prize destination.

Just an observation, before anyone saying Caro is having another rant against the EFC, Hird etc, a 'similar' article is also in the Herald Sun, and whilst it's not as direct in the details about Ryder, there are photo's of him, and comments about how this whole saga has had a toll on him.

sounds like there could be something to the rumour, and I think it would only take one player for things to unravel quickly.

Don't rate him as a player, and he has none of the leadership qualities we really need. When you add on the fact that anyone from Essendon has "that" cloud over their head, it's a resounding no.

Aside for the possible Essendon bans, Ryder would be an amazing pick up!!

A good versatile ruck that can also find the footy around the ground. Fast, takes marks and goes forward and kicks goals.

Any mention of the club having to be ruthless and I'll vomit on my keyboard.

Any mention of the club having to be ruthless and I'll vomit on my keyboard.

But didn't you know? This time we're aiming for the premiership and I don't just want wins, I want a flag! We're just starting to get our act together after the Neeld/Bailey/Daniher/Dennis Jones debacle which has no doubt set the club back 10 years.

Straight swap

Jamar/Fitzy for Ryder/Zaharakis.

And a bag of louie.

Would you be prepared to act as a middle man, Biff?

Would you be prepared to act as a middle man, Biff?

There are agents for this type of work Col.

I'm too old to deal with crims from Essendon.