Out-of-favour Port Adelaide ruckman, Paddy Ryder turns his back on Essendon and officially requested a trade to St Kilda.
In an interview during this morning's AFL Trade Radio, Ryder said he "didn't really get a good feeling" about the meeting with Essendon to facilitate a possible return.
Ryder has nominated St Kilda this morning as his team of choice coming into this year's trade period.
During the launch of Trade Radio, Ryder concedes the fall-out over the Essendon ASADA drugs saga played on his mind.
"I was over here last week and I've been back and forth a bit. A couple of weeks ago I was leaning towards Essendon and then I went back the other way," Ryder said.
"The thing that stuck with me was I went back into [Essendon] last week and I felt like I wanted to go through there and see what it felt like. I just didn't get a really good feeling from going back there.
"Walking around the place and seeing everyone and saying g'day, and I had a meeting with the coaches. But then I went down to Moorabbin and there was a sense of excitement. In the end that's what I based my decision on."
A two-year deal is likely for Ryder at the Saints, as he explained that Port Power did not see the same confidence in the big man.
"I'll be looking to head down to St Kilda. I'm really excited about the opportunity. The way things have panned out at Port Adelaide the past couple of years, Port Adelaide has brought in Scott Lycett and we have a couple of young blokes on the list who probably need a bit more time to develop," Ryder said.
Ryder may not be the only player who will make their way to Moorabbin, as Fremantle star-wingman, Brad Hill also has requested a trade to St Kilda.
The 31-year-old was in the 2017 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team and is out of contract at the end of this season.
