Fairfax reported this weekend that Ryder has his mind set on leaving Essendon, despite the Bombers offering the 26-year-old big money to stay.
Ryder is to meet Greater Western Sydney officials this weekend in Melbourne, having already barbecued with Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch.
But it is Port Adelaide which reportedly is the leading contender
If Ryder had watched Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG, he would have liked what he saw from the Power, despite their three-point loss to Hawthorn.
The Power'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.
Port Adelaide has two weaknesses, and Ryder's signature could solve both.
The Power certainly need another ruckman (other than Jackson Trengove) to help lone-hand Matthew Lobbe.
Higher on the priority list is another forward target, especially with Jay Schulz turning 30 at the start of next season.
Coach Ken Hinkley refused to be drawn on trade speculation after the match. But swingman Ryder can play in both of the above positions, and is exactly what Hinkley needs for his side to take the next step.
Despite the loss to the Hawks, Hinkley reckons Port's overall season was a ripper.
"It's been a really strong consolidation year, I reckon," he said.
"No one thought we were any good. Let's be honest, if we went back to the start of the year (most people) said we couldn't make the finals again.
"That's the respect we have to earn, and I know now that we've got some of that.
"We've actually earned it, and those blokes in next door, my young players, they deserve that respect now."
Ryder would fit nicely into such an attacking team. That's if Port can continue its helter skelter game plan next year.
"I hope so," Hinkley said.
"It's pretty exciting footy, isn't it?
"When you watch this group of young men play footy, they play exciting footy.
If you want to watch footy that's exciting and fun, come and watch Port Adelaide because we won't stop that.
"We'll keep playing that way."
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 from Essendon.
Ryder is to meet Greater Western Sydney officials this weekend in Melbourne, having already barbecued with Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch.
But it is Port Adelaide which reportedly is the leading contender
If Ryder had watched Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG, he would have liked what he saw from the Power, despite their three-point loss to Hawthorn.
The Power'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.
Port Adelaide has two weaknesses, and Ryder's signature could solve both.
The Power certainly need another ruckman (other than Jackson Trengove) to help lone-hand Matthew Lobbe.
Higher on the priority list is another forward target, especially with Jay Schulz turning 30 at the start of next season.
Coach Ken Hinkley refused to be drawn on trade speculation after the match. But swingman Ryder can play in both of the above positions, and is exactly what Hinkley needs for his side to take the next step.
Despite the loss to the Hawks, Hinkley reckons Port's overall season was a ripper.
"It's been a really strong consolidation year, I reckon," he said.
"No one thought we were any good. Let's be honest, if we went back to the start of the year (most people) said we couldn't make the finals again.
"That's the respect we have to earn, and I know now that we've got some of that.
"We've actually earned it, and those blokes in next door, my young players, they deserve that respect now."
Ryder would fit nicely into such an attacking team. That's if Port can continue its helter skelter game plan next year.
"I hope so," Hinkley said.
"It's pretty exciting footy, isn't it?
"When you watch this group of young men play footy, they play exciting footy.
If you want to watch footy that's exciting and fun, come and watch Port Adelaide because we won't stop that.
"We'll keep playing that way."
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 from Essendon.