ST KILDA'S fears over Paddy Ryder's hamstring injury have been confirmed, with the veteran ruckman to miss the remainder of the finals series after scans revealed tendon damage sustained in the dying stages of Saturday's thrilling elimination final victory.
Ryder had been among the club's best players in the narrow three-point win over the Western Bulldogs, but was reduced to tears on the final siren after hurting his hamstring in a ruck contest with just a minute remaining in the pulsating contest.
He underwent scans on Sunday, which confirmed that the injury was significant enough to ensure he will not return for the remainder of the team's finals campaign.
"It's really disappointing for Paddy, who has given everything to the club this season and played such an important role last night against the Dogs," St Kilda's chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said.
"Paddy's contribution to our group has gone far beyond what we have seen on the field and we know he'll come back strongly from the injury with the same commitment he has shown throughout the year.
"Whether or not the injury requires surgery will be determined in the coming days after speaking with relevant experts.
"All teams face injuries to key players and we now have to find a way without Paddy. Part of the motivation for our group now is to make sure we don’t let him down and instead step up."
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St Kilda could also be without Jake Carlisle for next Friday night's semi-final against Richmond, with the key defender considering leaving the club's Queensland hub to be with his partner who is due to give birth.
