The All-Australian ruckman's clean tapwork in tandem with Rowan Marshall was a sight to behold in 2021, with the partnership playing a pivotal role in the mature-ager'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 was the hero in the club's drought-breaking final against the Western Bulldogs, masterfully dominating the ruck before a heart-wrenching hamstring injury in the final two minutes brought his year to a close.

The No. 18 took personal leave before the 2021 Season to spend time with family in Western Australia, returning with a bang for Round 7's clash against Hawthorn.

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.