PADDY Ryder says he "didn't get a really good feeling" about heading back to Essendon after meeting with the Bombers about a possible return.

Ryder has nominated St Kilda as his preferred new home, informing Port Adelaide of his intention to head to the Saints during this Trade Period. 

Speaking at the launch of AFL Trade Radio, Ryder said he was unsure about heading back to the Bombers after the ASADA saga.

Paddy Ryder in action against the Saints in China. Picture: AFL Photos
St Kilda v Port Adelaide

"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.

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"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."

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The Saints are expected to give Ryder a two-year deal, something the Power was unwilling to offer the veteran big man. Ryder said he understood Port's stance.

"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," he said.

"Being my age, I'm taking away that opportunity for them, so I'm very understanding of the football club's [position] and respect their decision. I feel like I've still got a lot more to give."

 

Ryder has played 243 games, including 73 at Port Adelaide after 170 at Essendon before he left at the height of the drugs scandal at the end of 2014.

He played 18 games for the Power in his first season there before being one of the 34 past and present Bombers banned for the 2016 season. 

Ryder returned in 2017 and was named a Virgin Australia AFL All Australian and Port's best and fairest after averaging 38 hitouts a game.