Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder’s solid patch of form has suddenly seen him rise into All-Australian contention.

Ryder, playing a lone hand in the ruck for majority of the season, further heightens his successful run.

The 26-year-old has averaged 15.5 disposals, 32 hit outs, four marks and a goal a game in the last month, topping his season averages in every aspect of his game.

Teammate Brendon Goddard heavily praised the 26-year-old, admitting he is in a league above most other ruckman.

“In my opinion, Paddy can be better than any other ruckman in the competition,” Goddard said.

“There is no other ruckman like him out there, you can say Naitanui, but Paddy has got a better endurance base and better skills than Nick Nat Ithink.”

The stand-in skipper commending the progress that Ryder has made in his training standards this season.

“Paddy’s attitude and his preparation has risen a level and taken a step up and it’s reflecting in his footy.”

Goddard also mentioned that the versatility of Ryder has been an instrumental for the team this season, and particularly as they fight out the season for a finals berth.

“He is such an athlete, I don’t think there is no one like him,” he said.

“We as players just encourage him to play as another midfielder.”

“If we can get him to do that, it’s such a powerful thing, particularly against other ruckman late in the season.”