GREATER Western Sydney is chasing All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder to solve its ruck dilemma in 2020.
AFL.com.au understands the Giants have registered interest in the out-of-favour Port Adelaide ruckman, who falls out of contract at season's end.
The Giants had already been scouring the ruck market this year with the hunt only increasing in the past week after youngster Matthew Flynn ruptured his ACL.
Paddy Ryder has been on the outer at Port Adelaide this season. Picture: AFL Photos
There is also doubt over Shane Mumford's longevity after he was rested in the past fortnight showing signs of soreness in his first season back from retirement.
No.2 ruckman Dawson Simpson will turn 31 by next season, while 200cm draftee Kieren Briggs will be given plenty of time to develop after playing mostly as a forward this year in the NEAFL.
Ryder has been stuck in the SANFL after being dropped in round 14 with recruit Scott Lycett, forward Charlie Dixon and swingman Dougal Howard carrying the ruck load for the Power.
Set to turn 32 by the start of next season, Ryder is seeking a two-year deal, with the Power understood to be only offering one.
A key part of Ryder's decision will come down to whether he wants to move interstate with his family for a second time in six years.
The Giants and coach Leon Cameron previously chased Ryder at the end of 2014 before he decided on a move to Port Adelaide.
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After sitting out the 2016 season due to the WADA drug ban, Ryder returned to become an All Australian ruckman in 2017, averaging 38 hitouts per match.
This season he had been mixing between ruck and attack, averaging 22.5 hitouts and one goal per game before he was dumped.
Ryder has close links to the Giants having played under senior assistant Matthew Nicks for three seasons before he moved to the Harbour City.
His former Essendon teammate Mark McVeigh is also part of the Giants' coaching structure.
Watch the Trade Desk from 4.30pm AEST on Thursday afternoon on Facebook Live with Mitch Cleary and Callum Twomey, answering all your questions on the moves ahead of this year's NAB AFL Trade Period.
