Not only did they play under-18s together for Western Australia, but the two were teammates at East Fremantle before being taken in the 2005 AFL National Draft.
Ryder was taken at No.7 by the Bombers and Clark at No.9 by the Lions.
Now, after a fortnight of high-profile injuries for both clubs, they will take the field on Saturday night as rivals in the ruck.
Clark is his club’s third-choice option after Jamie Charman (ankle) and Matthew Leuenberger (knee), while Ryder stepped into David Hille’s (ACL) shoes in stunning fashion by claiming the Anzac Medal against Collingwood on Saturday.
Clark, 21, said he and Ryder were still close friends.
“We trained together, we played together and we keep in touch,” he said.
“I’ve played on him in the NAB Cup earlier this year when I was forward and he was back, and we had a bit of a chat during and after the game.
“He’s a great fella and I’m glad to see him doing well.
“We were both ruckmen as juniors but it takes a few years to develop in that role in the AFL.
“Paddy did a great job against Collingwood and it’ll be a great challenge on Saturday night.
“I think we’re very similar in the way we play the ruck role. I’ll speak to our ruck coach and watch footage and see what the best way to go about things is.”
Despite being pitch-forked into leading the Lions’ rucks, Clark said he was enjoying the chance to be a regular contributor.
With Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw dominating the forward line, Clark said he realised a stint in the ruck could only help his development.
He was taught a lesson by Geelong’s Mark Blake last week but paid credit to Lions ruck coach and premiership player Beau McDonald for helping to ease the transition from key position forward to the middle of the ground.
“I’m obviously giving away size to the bigger ruckmen in the league but I know if my effort is there and I create a contest, I’m doing my bit,” he said.
“I think I can be a valuable part of the team.”
Clark said the Lions would be “trying to restore some respect among ourselves” against Essendon after the disastrous 93-point loss to the Cats last Sunday.
He said the Lions still had a good game plan and were determined not to put on another performance like the Geelong debacle.
“We want to make teams know when they’re coming to our turf that it will be a tough night when they come to the Lions,” he said.
