On Saturday Ryder was in Sydney meeting with officials from Greater Western Sydney.
The 26-year-old has also been linked to the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide. Port ended its finals campaign in spectacular fashion on Saturday night and the club is now expected to switch focus and turn its full attention to Ryder.
In the wake of Essendon's case against ASADA being defeated in court on Friday, sources close to Ryder have told AFL.com.au that the ruckman has finalised his wish to leave the club just two years into a four-year contract.
The important ruckman could attempt to leave the Bombers on the grounds they seriously breached their duty of care to him through the supplements scandal of 2011-12.
That clause could also be used to convince the Bombers to orchestrate a trade.
Ryder's desire to leave the club first came to light in early September. Reports alleged the Bomber and his wife Jess were concerned for the health of their unborn child, after Ryder was allegedly told of the potential risks of the supplements program when interviewed by ASADA last year.
The issue further blew up when Essendon accused Ryder's manager Paul Connors of playing the matter out in the media.
"Essendon Football Club has no intention of trading Paddy Ryder," an Essendon statement said at the time.
"Paddy is contracted until the end of the 2016 season and is a valued and much loved member of our playing group.
"Current media speculation about his future is premature and ill-informed.
"The club and Paddy had already agreed to sit down and discuss any concerns he has post season.
"It is extremely disappointing that Paddy's manager Paul Connors has chosen to play these matters out in the press on the eve of the club's finals campaign.
"These actions have put unnecessary pressure on Paddy and his family."
"I totally refute that I have played this story out in the media, and I am offended and furious that Essendon has made this claim,” Connors said in a statement to Channel Nine.
Ruck/forward Paddy Ryder may have played his final game in black and red. Picture: AFL Media
Ryder enjoyed probably his best season in 2014, averaging a career-high 26 hit-outs and kicking 20 goals in 21 games.
Earlier this week, Essendon defender Cale Hooker was hopeful Ryder would reject overtures from other clubs and stay with the Bombers.
Ryder enjoyed probably his best season in 2014, averaging a career-high 26 hit-outs and kicking 20 goals in 21 games.
Earlier this week, Essendon defender Cale Hooker was hopeful Ryder would reject overtures from other clubs and stay with the Bombers.
