It is the 10th anniversary of the Dreamtime game, which coincidentally coincides with National Reconciliation Week.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, Ryder said while it was an honour to be part of the event, it came with pressure.
"We're not only representing the club, we're representing every Aboriginal person, those who can't be out there … and we're privileged enough to play," Ryder said.
"I feel a bit of pressure having all that weight on my shoulders - the weight of the nation of us indigenous people. It's something that once I get out on the field it turns into adrenaline.
"We want to go out there, do our best and make those people proud."
For the first time, the Bombers will don an indigenous jumper, which was designed by Thomas Day III.
The jumper depicts the history of Essendon, inspired by possum skin cloaks and the traditional game of Marn Grook.
"It gets bigger and better every year, and all the clubs are on board with the jumpers," Ryder said.
"It's also the 10th anniversary of the Long Walk so it's just something that past indigenous players are also proud to be involved in."
The versatile ruckman said the Bombers were feeling fresh after the weekend's bye and were looking forward to regaining form after an inconsistent month of football.
"Our form hasn't been too good over the last few weeks," he said.
"We've had a few scrappy wins and a couple of losses in there, so weneed to get on the winners' board. It's a good opportunity coming offthe break … to attack Richmond."
L-R: Shaun Edwards, Courtenay Dempsey, Shane Edwards (centre), Leroy Jetta and Paddy Ryder.
