Ryder’s turned ban pain into gain

THE pain of missing an AFL season through suspension is driving Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder’s career-best year.

Ryder has won All-Australian selection in a triumphant return after being among current and former Essendon players banned last year.

“Last year when I didn’t have footy I realised just how much I loved being in the AFL system, how much footy actually means to me,” he told reporters yesterday.

“I just wanted to get back and prove to everyone that has always supported me along the way that, yeah, I am capable of playing at a really high level.”

Ryder said his ban led to introspection about his AFL career.

“There were tough times,” he said.

“But towards the end, I had a long time to prepare myself and think about what I was going to do this season.

“I have done that in the best way I can.

“It’s a pretty proud moment for myself and my family.”

Ryder said an All Australian jumper couldn’t have been further from his mind after his comeback game – a Port internal trial at Alberton.

“I remember going home after that game and I had a lot of doubts,” he said.

“I hardly touched the ball that day. My timing was out.

“I started to really doubt myself but once I got back into the swing of things ... I got back into the speed of the game – once I picked that up, I started to flow.”

Ryder pipped Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs and Carlton’s Matthew Kreuzer for the hotly contested All Australian ruck spot.

“Statistically I probably don’t have the numbers that stack up with some of the other ruckmen,” Ryder said.

“But I have been able to impact games without getting 20plus possessions, that is the key to myself getting the nod.”

Richmond Tigers defender Alex Rance was named the All Australian team’s captain, with West Coast Eagles full forward Josh Kennedy appointed as his deputy.