After arriving at the Saints during the club’s game-changing 2019 trade period, Paddy Ryder proved his importance to the line-up in the season restart.

The All-Australian ruckman's clean tapwork in tandem with Rowan Marshall was a sight to behold against the Bulldogs, with the partnership set to play a pivotal role in the youngster's development.

After a few weeks out of the side, Ryder returned in style against Adelaide in Round 7 to accrue 22 hit-outs and play an influential role St Kilda's return to the winners list.

But his best would come the following week against his old side, with the 32-year-old piecing together a rucking masterclass with 29 hit-outs, two goals and a clearance at Adelaide Oval to guide the red, white and black to a scintillating win over the ladder-leaders.

Ryder played his 250th match against Gold Coast in Round 10 at Metricon Stadium.

Ryder was originally selected by Essendon with pick No. 7 in the 2005 National Draft, before moving to Port Adelaid (2015-19) and then St Kilda.

Player Sponsor: Western Saints Supporter Group, Brett Stirling