Essendon Football Club is thrilled to welcome back Patrick Ryder as their new Indigenous Player Development Manager. The former Bomber will provide guidance and support to the club’s Indigenous and first-to-three-year players through the Jack Jones Academy while also supporting various other community and development programs across the club.
As a Noongar man from Geraldton in Western Australia, Ryder brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Bombers’ program. He played 281 games across his three clubs, including 170 in the red and black between 2006 to 2014, and boasts impressive accolades such as the 2009 Anzac Day Medal, All Australian selection in 2017 and Port Adelaide’s Best and Fairest in the same year.
“We are thrilled to have Paddy back at the club as our Indigenous Player Development Manager,” said Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo. “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 expressed his excitement to work with the club’s Indigenous players and to give back to the club that first gave him an opportunity at AFL level. “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,” he said.
The appointment of Ryder further enhances Essendon’s renewed focus on enhancing the club’s connection with Indigenous Australians across the country. With his passion for the sport and his dedication to giving back, Ryder is sure to make a big impact in his new role. He will commence his role at Essendon ahead of round one.
