Report: Ryder meets with Essendon

After five years with the Power, Paddy Ryder could return to Essendon.

The Bombers have stepped up their bid to sign the ruckman with a meeting including coach John Worsfold on Thursday, according to AFL Media.

Essendon are looking to boost their stock of rucks with Tom Bellchambers and Sam Draper injured most of the year.

Ryder, 31, is considering a return and adding to his 170 games for Essendon but is keeping an eye on St Kilda's interest too.

The Saints have already looked at North's Todd Goldstein and Essendon's Sam Draper as option to add to their ruck and Ryder could be next.

Ahead of the trade period, Port have said they will allow Ryder to look at his options. The Power have offered a one-year contract but he is said to be seeking two years and could be traded for a late draft pick.

Ryder left Essendon at the end of 2014 despite having two years on his contract due to concerns about the club's injection program. He played 18 games for Port in his first season before being one of the players banned for the 2016 season.

He made his 2017 return as Port's best and fairest after averaging 38 hitouts a game and being named a Virgin Australia AFL All Australian.