In a massive boost for Essendon, gun young ruckman Paddy Ryder has agreed to terms for a new three-year contract.
Ryder, 21, has been a revelation this season and football operations manager, Paul Hamilton, says he has become a very important player to the club.
""It is exciting for us and exciting for the fans that he has signed on for 2010, 2011 and 2012. We have always understood what a great player Paddy is and also the other elements he brings to the club,"" Hamilton said.
""We've got a really good group of young players coming through together, working together and we want to keep them together.""
Ryder admitted he had considered returning to Perth to be closer to family but is happy with staying at Windy Hill.
""In the end it was a pretty easy decision. I have a lot of mates around here, it's an exciting time at the footy club with all the young players and we haven't even said the best of some of those blokes so it's going to be good,"" Ryder said.
""It's hard living over here but my family understand that I am playing football and doing what I love and it's best for me to stay over here. Being at the Essendon footy club is where I want to be.""
Hamilton said keeping interstate players like Ryder is not just about money, but is also about the culture of the club, player bonding and the players being able to see the vision for the future.
""Our players can see that down the track there could be some great success and they want to be part of it,"" he said.
Ryder said he is enjoying being the No.1 Bomber ruckman but says he is looking forward to having David Hille back in the side next season.
""These days I get a lot more niggles after a game but I am really enjoying it and it's where I would like to play my footy and I like to think I am holding up pretty well,"" he said.
Ryder says he has not had any offers from other AFL clubs.
He has played 63 games since being drafted by the Bombers with pick No.7 at the 2005 AFL National Draft.
