Essendon’s No.1 ruckman Patrick Ryder is understood to have told the crisis-stricken AFL club he definitely wants out.
Ryder confirmed his wishes before Friday’s devastating Federal Court ruling.
Essendon have not given up and plan to meet with him again.
But the Federal Court judgement has probably killed off any slight chance the Bombers had of changing Ryder’s mind.
Ryder’s future is one of several major issues facing Essendon as they continue to struggle with the fallout from their supplements scandal.
Essendon and coach James Hird confidently went to the Federal Court to test the legality of last year’s joint AFL-ASADA investigation.
But on Friday, Justice John Middleton handed down a stunning verdict where he comprehensively ruled against Hird and the club.
The ruling means ASADA can now go ahead with show cause notices against 34 current and former Essendon players, with the potential for anti-doping bans.
ASADA are yet to confirm how long the players will have to respond to the show-cause notices, but it is understood to be 10 or 14 days.
The Federal Court has confirmed Essendon and Hird have 21 days – with a deadline of October 10 – to consider appealing.
But an appeal would add to the club’s mounting legal costs.
The ruling means Hird’s future as Essendon coach is again in the spotlight.
And former Essendon fitness chief Dean Robinson is continuing legal action against the club, claiming he was made a scapegoat during last year’s fallout from the supplements program.
There has also been growing speculation about Ryder’s future in the last few days.
Not surprisingly, rival clubs are showing interest in Essendon’s No.1 ruckman after his stellar season.
Brisbane have led the way, but Port Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney are also said to be keen.
Ryder was unlucky not to make this year’s All-Australian squad.
While he is tied to Essendon, the strong speculation is that Ryder would activate a little-known clause in the standard AFL player contract.
It allows a player to break his deal and become a delisted free agent if he can argue a breach of contract.
Then Essendon would face the difficult decision of how far they would be prepared to go to stop Ryder leaving.
Key Bombers figures such as interim coach Mark Thompson and reigning best and fairest winner Brendon Goddard have made it clear this month that they want Ryder to stay.
Hird and ‘Dons chairman Paul Little were grim-faced outside the court as they briefly spoke to the media after Justice Middleton released his findings.
“Essendon is understandably very disappointed at today’s Federal Court decision,” Little said, reading from a statement.
“Obviously it’s one that we now need to go away and deliberate, work through the findings and then determine whether or not we will want to go to an appeal.
“In taking our proceedings, our priority has always been to protect and vindicate the legal rights of our players.
“The club maintains its confidence that on all the evidence that we have at our disposal, neither harmful nor banned substances were given to our players during the 2012 season.”
Nico
Guest
The duplicity of Essendon is staggering. On one hand they have a genuine talent laden football dept headed by Bomber Thompson and Jobe Watson. Proved their mettle this season and should be proud. On the othehand they have Little and Hird running a fractured and self defeating campaign. Seriously how can the club not recognize that on one hand they have the basis for club success and the other nothing more than rapidly diminishing public good will And who else thinks that hirds preseason planning for next season is playing second fiddle to his personal battle. Not a positive start
Ken
Guest
He's actually a bit short for a ruckman these days @197cm....good key forward or perhaps a new age Ruck-rover type...he'd go alright next to Mumford at GWS or at Port Adelaide
Ironmonger
Guest
The Essendon football club is a disgrace and I do not blame PR for leaving. When will Jobe Watsons Brownlow be rescinded...
andy
Guest
I would like to see if he gets emotional when he plays us next year if he doesn't then he is real dog
Casper
Guest
Andy, he won't live up to his potential as he doesn't have it in him. He should be the number 1 ruckman in the game, but he isn't as he lacks character. This has become clear over the last two weeks. Trade wise, it would probably be best for Essendon if he went to GWS as we could maybe get one of their good mids.
Danny D
Guest
If you wanted a change of your workplace and other companies showed real interest in your services, would you try to exercise the right to get the best you can or would you say "stuff it, ill just go there - the pay is poor but they're offices are nice and staff seem friendly!" Dont be a narrow minded simpleton joe like many others on this forum! Best and fairest way in these circumstances would be if he's new club simply took on the remainder of his contract as it is, being the remainding 2 years at the same pay and E.F.C get what they consider to be a fair trade. Up to paddy and his new club what they agree to in the new contract. Removes if not all of the doubts around why paddy is leaving and doesnt allow players to demand more money mid contract in the future.
andy
Guest
I hope u don't live up to your potential at your new club patty your sure didn't at our great club your lazy. And inconsistent and only fully performed this year playing for a huge contract which u will get some where let's bombers trade well I'm hoping giants there is a lot boys there who want to come home to Melbourne maybe Jeremy Cameron
joe
Guest
I hope Sydney if only to see eddies head explode,even though its got nothing to do with him
Col in paradise
Guest
Yep..good chance...although Lions ruck stocks looked pretty good at the end of the season....but hey what about as a tall leading up the field forward - Like Buddy....that is something the Lions need for sure with Brown gone and Merrett filling in admirably but not many years left and not his real postition...also Paddy has more pace...
Mark
Guest
So Connors can get a big commission.
joe
Guest
or brisbane
Col in paradise
Guest
Exactly..."at all costs"..all cost to the cub and the cost to the players and cost of the fans...And how much are they paying James as a head coach when he ahsnt even been a assistant coach..all EGO from day 1 and a club sucked right in..a big joke....I had a lot of respect as Hird as a player..none now...a selfish stuck up pratt..a narcist selfish man who cannot admit a error or serious mis-managemnt as head coach at a minimum....if he knew nothing - he should have - ignorance is no excuse in a senior management postion or in law... So Ryder....Port..or Freo or...the Swans !..that is the question.....
mattyb
Guest
I know one who will stay at all costs.....James.
joe
Guest
paddy loves his mates at the club eh is that why he's walking out half way through his contract is he getting less or more money at new club?
Andrew
Guest
Wonder how many more will choose to leave now.
Danny D
Guest
I don't think that was Paddy's doing at all. Last thing he wouldve wanted and had nothing to do with us losing that game either. Paddy loves his mates at the club, respects the coaching panel and has enjoyed his time at E.F.C too (bar the last couple years). I believe his leaving because he needs a fresh start to allow him to get back to enjoying the basics of footy again and to take the stress off as he has a new found perspective in parenthood!
joe
Guest
you seem to have taken the news very well danny. have to admit if a dogs player had got his people to release that sort of info before we played a final i'd be furious
Danny D
Guest
Shame we're losing such a big talent that seems to only be improving. Has provided us with some real exciting moments and its only inevitable that they'll be a lot more. Guess Paddy has got to do what Paddy's got to do but I will miss that trademark 40m round the body snap that more often then not puts 6pts on the board! Good luck to Paddy EasyRyder and hope a resolution can be made so that we can get a couple decent players out of losing such a significant cog in our lineup.