Power ruckman Patrick Ryder has nominated a move to St Kilda during the trade period next month, preferring Moorabbin over a potential return to his old stomping ground at the Bombers.
The 31-year-old has played 243 games, 170 of those coming at Windy Hill before leaving for Alberton at the end of 2014.
He sat out the 2016 season due to the Essendon supplements ban before returning to his best immediately, capturing All Australian honours in the ruck the following year.
But as reported by Sam McClure of The Age and SEN's Time On Monday evening, Ryder has made his decision between the two Victorian clubs pursuing his services, and now it appears certain the Saints will get a two-year contract tabled pending a trade arrangement with the Power.
Paddy Ryder has officially nominated St Kilda over Essendon.
Will join the Saints on a two year deal, earning less than the average wage.
Saints and Port now working on trade.
— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) September 23, 2019
A likely star future Saint was unearthed this season in the form of key position utility Rowan Marshall.
But after Tom Hickey departed for West Coast last off-season, coupled with the recent delistings of fellow talls Lewis Pierce and Billy Longer, the Saints need support for their club best and fairest runner-up and now appear to be receiving the experienced backup they've targeted cheaply.
