Former Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder is returning to the Bombers in a player welfare capacity, with the club appointing him Indigenous Player Development Manager.
Ryder, who played 170 games in the red and black between 2006-14 in addition to Port Adelaide and St Kilda tenures, will be working predominantly with first-to-three-year Bombers players through the Jack Jones Academy.
Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo expressed his exuberance at being able to reunite the 34-year-old with the Bombers, noting his vast experience and expertise.
"We are thrilled to have Paddy back at the club as our Indigenous Player Development Manager. Paddy is a quality person, and it will be fantastic to have him back in the red and black to assist in both our football and community programs," Vozzo said.
"He has extensive experience as a player and understands the rigours of AFL football. It will be extremely beneficial for our Indigenous and younger players to have someone like Paddy around the club."
Ryder reciprocated the sentiment, emphasising his excitement at being able to play an integral part in helping develop the club's Indigenous talent.
"I spent a big chunk of my career here and it's always been a big part of me so I always knew one day I'd end up back here in some capacity," Ryder said in a club statement.
"To come back to help out our young Indigenous boys is something I'm really excited for and am really hoping to come in and make a big difference.
"I really love the direction that the club is heading in and it's super exciting for our players and members. I want to play my role in bringing these young boys through and giving them the best chance of playing AFL footy.
Back in the red + black.
Welcome home, Paddy ๐ซถ
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) March 6, 2023
"We've got a proud history and to come in to keep driving that for us is something I will take very seriously. I can't wait to give back to the club that gave me my first opportunity and I'm really looking forward to that."
Ryder left Essendon nine years ago following the club's infamous supplements saga, with the ruckman among 34 Bombers to serve a suspension handed down by anti-doping authorities. He would not play for the Power until 2017.
The East Fremantle product's exit from Essendon amid the scandal was added to a difficult time for Ryder, who has toleย The Age he is looking to move on from the past as he plans to help Essendon's future.
โThere's obviously a lot of commentary about it, and it's still spoken about by some people. In terms of the way I look at it, it's a long time ago now and everyone's moved on - and that's the way it should be," Ryder told the publication.
"So, for me, it's all about the 2023 Bombers.
โYou know, just getting back in there and really have an impact with our young Indigenous boys first and foremost.
โIt's always been in the back of my mind to get back there to the club that gave me my first opportunity. I've always wanted to get back there and repay the club a little bit.
โIt's been nine years, and I've got a lot of fond memories and great relationships from Essendon... It's just come about this year that the club reached out to me, and I was deciding what I was going to do post football, and it all just aligned."
Ryder will commence his new duties ahead of Round 1, when the Bombers are set to face arch-rival Hawthorn on March 19.
