Port closes deal, signs Ryder

Big news in the AFL, Paddy Ryder has completed his move to Port Adelaide, but its a complicated deal involving 3 parties and draft picks.

Greater Western Sydney's Jonathan Giles looks certain to become an Essendon Bomber for the 2015 AFL season

Paddy Ryder, Port Adelaide's new recruit, runs forward as Alex Rance gives chase. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide's 2015 AFL premiership hopes have skyrocketed with the club finally closing a deal for star Essendon ruckman-forward Paddy Ryder.

After weeks of wheeling and dealing with the Bombers, the Power pulled off a massive recruiting coup by trading national draft selections 17 and 37 for one of the game's premier big men.

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Essendon immediately used pick 37 to land Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney from the Bulldogs.

Ryder, 26, is seen as the missing link to a first Port premiership since 2004 as he fills its two areas of need — a second ruckman to complement Matthew Lobbe and a third key forward to support Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff.

Coach Ken Hinkley said Ryder would slot in nicely into the team a dual-position player.

"We think Paddy can really add a lot to our team, both to share the ruck duties and work in tandem with Lobbe to help out Schulzy and Westy up forward," Hinkley said.

"Paddy is clearly a gifted player and we believe, with the footy environment we're creating at Alberton, he can take his game to a new level.

"We wish Paddy and his family all the best with the move and we are sure the extended Port Adelaide family will make them feel welcome in Adelaide straight away."

The athletic Ryder, 196cm, has played 170 games and kicked 117 goals for Essendon since being drafted from WAFL club East Fremantle at pick seven at the 2005 national draft.

He was under contract with the Dons for two more years but walked out on the club because of the supplements scandal.

Ryder said he feared for the health of his unborn son during the drugs saga and threatened to take the Bombers to the AFL grievance tribunal if they blocked his move to Port.

Essendon has also sent selection 53 to GWS for ruckman Jonathan Giles while also getting pick 62 in return.

Adelaide wanted Giles as back-up for lead ruckman Sam Jacobs but he chose to move to the Bombers.

Ryder with his son Harlan. Picture: David Caird. Source: News Corp Australia

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Bickley gone as Walsh makes tough calls

David Teague, playing for Carlton, tackles Port's Brett Ebert in 2005. Source: News Limited

NEW Crows coach Phil Walsh has finalised his first coaching panel, bringing in dual Swans premiership player Ryan O'Keefe and former North Melbourne and Carlton defender David Teague.

O'Keefe, who retired at the end of the 2014 season, has been appointed as a development coach while also assisting with the midfield duties.

Teague spent last season as an assistant at St Kilda but previously worked alongside Walsh at West Coast.

He will take control of the forward line after dual Adelaide premiership captain Mark Bickley told the club he wanted to pursue other opportunities next year.

This is expected to be in the media.

Bickley has, however, been retained in a marketing and promotional role.

Midfield coach Scott Camporeale has kept his job while Darren Milburn will remain in charge of the defence and Matthew Clarke the ruck.

"Ryan is a quality person who comes from a successful environment," Walsh said.

"His leadership and knowledge gleaned from an outstanding playing career at Sydney will be invaluable.

"David and I developed a strong rapport while working together at the Eagles for three years.

"He is a talented and astute young coach who will be an influential part of our team."

Bickley did not comment last night after Walsh issued a 59-second video to Crows members declaring: "There will be change in the football department - right now I am working through my coaching structure."

Walsh, who met a small group of club members at West Lakes yesterday, along with new chief executive Andrew Fagan, said in his video: "The hard work has begun, but there is much more ahead for all of us.

"The team I want to build at Adelaide this year will be based around hard work, elite standards and attention to detail, but most of all working as a team."

Walsh said he had spoken to everyone on the Adelaide player list and "I've met with quite a few".

"Make no mistake," he said, "our team has talent. The right ingredients are there, but we still need to build on that. We have two early picks in the draft and we will be using that to be bringing more talent into the club."

Originally published as O'Keefe joins Crows as Walsh sets up his team

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