ESSENDON'S brilliant start to the season has received another boost, with star ruckman Paddy Ryder signing a four-year deal that ties him to the club until the end of 2016.
Ryder, speculated as a target for Greater Western Sydney, told AFL.com.au the lure to return home to Western Australia was strong, but that he had never seriously considered leaving the Bombers.
"I'm a big family man and it's always in my mind wanting to go home and be with my family, but I made the right decision for my family in Melbourne - my daughter, my partner and also myself," he said.
"I see that the Essendon Football Club is the place for me to be to get the most out of myself."
Click here to view Ryder's career stats
The deal, which is likely to earn Ryder up to $2 million, confirms the 24-year-old as one of the club's marquee players as it builds towards its next premiership.
It also comes on the back of the five-year contract handed to Michael Hurley earlier this year, meaning the club has secured its two key targets.
"I love this place and everyone that's involved in this footy club," Ryder said.
"I've got great mates here and I really look up to the coaches. Living in Melbourne isn't too bad. I'd prefer to probably be closer to my family, but I really love this place dearly."
Coach James Hird admitted he was relieved Ryder had signed with the club despite possible lucrative offers interstate.
"Knowing Paddy's character we weren't concerned, but when money gets thrown around and the type of money people are talking about, people have always got to think about it," Hird said.
"So [there was] a slight concern, but we're just very excited Patrick's decided to stay at Essendon and be an Essendon player for another four years."
Ryder has played 126 games for the Bombers since being selected with pick seven in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, and appears set to play out his career at the club.
After a tough 2011 season, Ryder has blossomed in 2012 as he juggles his ruck work with a position deep in attack.
He has played every match and is averaging more than 15 disposals, 20 hit-outs and almost six marks.
Ryder also booted an equal career-high four goals in Essendon's round eight win over Richmond.
"We know that when Paddy plays really well we're almost impossible to beat," Hird said.
"I think one of the things we've seen since we've got here is how much his teammates love playing football with him.
"It's not just his form on the field and the way he's playing at the moment, but off the field he's a really important part of our team and our culture."
With Hurley and Ryder signed, Essendon's focus will turn to in-form midfielder Brent Stanton, who is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
