OUT OF form for most of this season, Essendon big man Paddy Ryder showed glimpses of a return to form against Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Mid-way through the third quarter, Ryder gave his team a shock 27-point lead when he took the ball out of the ruck and snapped a brilliant left-foot goal.

His effort had the big pro-Bombers crowd roaring with delight.