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Essendon have derided Port Adelaide’s initial AFL trade offer for ruck-forward Patrick Ryder as nothing more than a bag of peanuts.
Bombers recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro did not mince his words at the start of the official trade period, making it clear they would play har- ball with the Power.
Ryder is one of the biggest names in this year’s trade mix after he decided to leave the Bombers, despite having two years left on his contract.
The Power are Ryder’s preferred destination after a strong season where he finished in the top 10 of the Essendon best and fairest awards and was unlucky not to make the initial All-Australian squad.
Dodoro said on Monday they were unconcerned that if Essendon cannot negotiate a deal for Ryder, he might try to use a new clause in the AFL player’s contract to leave the club for nothing.
Port are offering their first-round draft pick at No.16 for Ryder, but Dodoro said that was not nearly enough.
“We want a quality player in return,” Dodoro said.
“He’s a quality player, he’s at the peak of his powers as an AFL ruckman, so we want what’s fair.
“We want apples for apples, not apples for a bag of peanuts, basically … the ball is back in their court.”
If no deal is struck, Ryder could use the new contract clause and try to be released as a restricted free agent, on the grounds that Essendon breached their duty of care to him through the club’s supplements scandal.
“Irrespective of scenarios, we’re just worried about our list management position right now,” Dodoro said.
“There’s no guarantees anything will happen post this anyway.”
Also on Monday:
* Melbourne have done well out of losing free agent James Frawley to Hawthorn, receiving pick No.3 in the national draft as compensation. It leaves the Demons with picks two and three in the draft.
* Adelaide football boss David Noble said ongoing speculation about Patrick Dangerfield potentially being traded is “ridiculous”.
* But speculation continues to grow about the future of North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood, who is out of contract. Collingwood in particular are interested in him.
* Sydney forward Tim Membrey wants a trade to St Kilda.
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