Essendon is prepared to play hard ball with Paddy Ryder and will hold the wantaway ruckman to his contract if a suitable trade can't be arranged, coach James Hird says.

In an interview with the Bombers' website, Hird said Ryder remains a required player.

The star big man, who is contracted for two more seasons, has chosen Port as his preferred destination but the clubs are yet to agree to terms.

The Dons have already knocked back Port's offer of its first pick, No.17 overall, in November's NAB AFL Draft.

"If a player wants to leave then we'll look at that opportunity for them to leave, but it would have to be a good deal for us otherwise Paddy will stay an Essendon player," Hird said.

"The supporters love Paddy Ryder and I think the club generally has a strong affection towards Paddy and we think we've got some really good football out of him the last few years."

Ryder is not the only player keen to walk from Essendon, with retired half-back Jason Winderlich reportedly telling the Bombers he wants to join Richmond.

Meanwhile, Ben Howlett's manager has said the midfielder could leave if Hird is sacked as coach.

"They're both very important players for us. We'd like to keep both Jason and Ben at the club," Hird said.

"(Winderlich's) one that we'll talk to over the next few days and try and see where he's at, but we'd love him to stay, obviously, and Ben the same.

"I think hopefully with Ben we'll be able to do something sooner rather than later."

Hird said the Dons would look to add ruck and midfield depth over the off-season.

He hoped the club would be in a position to announce a replacement for assistant coach Simon Goodwin – who has joined Melbourne – in the coming weeks.