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ESSENDON wants a quality player in return for ruckman Patrick Ryder, not just "a bag of peanuts", with the ball in Port Adelaide's court after day one of the NAB AFL Trade Period.
Bombers recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said there had been little movement in discussions with the Power on Monday as Ryder, who has two years to run on his contract, seeks a move to Alberton.
Talks appear set to drag out after the Bombers rejected Port Adelaide's offer of its first pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft (No.16 overall), with the possibility a third club will become involved in negotiations.
"We want a quality player in return," Dodoro said as the Bombers' camp left Etihad Stadium on Monday afternoon.
"He's a quality player, he's at the peak of his powers as an AFL ruckman, so we want what's fair.
"We want apples for apples, not apples for a bag of peanuts, basically.
"They know what we're after … the ball is back in their court."
Dodoro said Ryder was a much-loved and required player after a strong season that saw him average 26 hit-outs in 21 games.
The club was not concerned about the prospect of losing Ryder for nothing if he chose to seek a release as a delisted free agent on the grounds Essendon breached his contract during its controversial supplements scandal.
"Irrespective of scenarios, we're just worried about our list management position right now," Dodoro said.
"There's no guarantees anything will happen post this anyway."
Dodoro said the Bombers were confident midfielder Ben Howlett would re-sign with the club within 24 hours, despite interest from both WA clubs and Carlton.
"A couple of clubs have asked about him today but we think he'll sign with us," Dodoro said.
Dodoro also suggested an announcement on veteran Dustin Fletcher's future was imminent.
