Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder will confirm his wish to seek a trade to another club, despite Essendon's attempts to persuade him to stay and hope that the player would re-consider his position.
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While Ryder's position was formed before the outcome of the Federal court finding by Justice Middleton, sources suggested that the dismissal of Essendon's case against ASADA had closed off the small possibility of Ryder re-considering and staying at the club.
Ryder's manager Paul Connors and Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell had agreed to a cooling off period before resuming conversations next week. But Fairfax Media understands that Ryder has not wavered from his wish.
Ryder is to meet Greater Western Sydney officials this weekend in Melbourne, having already met Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch and had contact with Port Adelaide.
Port and the Lions are the leading contenders for his services. Both of those suitors – and the player and his management – are keen for him to change clubs via a trade, rather than through a legal process.
Port Adelaide's first draft pick is likely to be on the table in the event that Ryder chooses the Power ahead of the Lions and GWS. The Giants are considered much less likely as a next home for the talented ruckman.
The Ryder camp has indicated a willingness to fight – and to initiate a legal process, based on a "get-out" clause that makes players free agents if they can show a breach of contract – in the event that a trade is blocked. The Lions have signalled that they would be unwilling to trade their first draft pick, No. 4, but that their next choice – around the early 20s – would be on the table in any trade.
Ryder has been upset by the ongoing fall-out from the ASADA investigation and of the duration of the saga – issues which have formed part of his decision to ask for a trade.
Essendon has not had wholesale defections as a result of the lengthy ASADA investigation and has managed to retain key players during the saga.
Stewart Crameri took up a better offer from the Bulldogs last year when he was out of contract and has never suggested the supplements saga was a factor.
Ryder, who is marrying his long-time partner in Queensland, had initially expressed a preference for an interstate club, but Port Adelaide has entered the picture and made an attractive pitch, involving ex-Essendon team mate Angus Monfries and the Power's strong indigenous contingent and program.
Ryder is contracted for the next two years, and has just enjoyed arguably his best season to date in 2014, when he has carried the Essendon rucks while Tom Bellchambers has struggled.
