St Kilda star Paddy Ryder is unlikely to return to the field this season after being hampered by a calf injury. Out of contract at the end of the year, the future of the 34-year-old is now somewhat up in the air.
Ryder's body has been a tender balancing act since he arrived at Moorabbin, but his output when healthy has been a terrific result for the Saints. He was a key in their finals push in 2020 and it could be argued he's been St Kilda's most important player in his time at the club.
With St Kilda's season teetering on the finest of knive edges, many eyes have been cast forward to whether Ryder will be in the red, white and black next season.
According to a report from AFL.com.au reporter Josh Gabelich, the Saints are yet to initiate contract talks with the 279-game veteran's management team.
Despite the lack of contact from the Saints, Ryder is keen to extend his career.
"There hasn’t been anything (discussed with the club yet), but that's not to say no one is interested or anything. We've just been focused on playing footy," Ryder told AFL.com.au.
"I think at this time of year as an older bloke your contract comes up and there is always doubt surrounding it.
"My best footy, when I'm fit, is still pretty good. I'll just get through the next few weeks with the calf and re-evaluate everything. I'm looking forward to hopefully playing on.
"It hasn't been in the forefront of my mind but I'm sure over the next couple of weeks, now that I've got a little bit of time, there will be some conversations happening. I've enjoyed my time at the Saints. I've got some really close mates there and family in Bradley Hill. I'd rather not leave."
Lingering injury issues may be a snag in negotiations from St Kilda's point of view, with Ryder battling an Achilles issue that has seen him in and out of the team over the last two seasons.
Having managed just 12 games in each of the last two seasons there could be some trepidation from the Saints to go into the new season with Ryder as their number one ruck.
With Rowan Marshall seen as the heir apparent, Jack Hayes set to be ready for the start of the 2023 season after recovering from his ACL injury, and Max Heath having a decent VFL season under his belt, Brett Ratten may look to turn to the next wave of big men next season.
However, Ryder believes his body is good to go despite the niggles he has had to overcome in recent campaigns.
"Over the past couple of weeks I could feel both of my calves starting to fatigue a little bit. The club knew about it. I'm really honest with the way I feel," Ryder said.
"The good thing is my Achilles, which everyone thinks is sore, I've been able to get that right with the physios and docs; I've put all that behind me. This is just a little hiccup with the calf."