Experienced ruckman Paddy Ryder is now a Saint after a trade with the Port Adelaide Football Club was completed today.

Ryder was part of a trade that saw teammate Dougal Howard, pick No. 10 and a future fourth-round pick come to Moorabbin.

St Kilda handed over picks No. 12, 18 and a future third-round selection in exchange.

The All-Australian ruckman joins the Saints after 243 games for Essendon and Port Adelaide.

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The trade sees the 31-year-old return to Melbourne after four years in South Australia.

Head of List Management James Gallagher said Ryder’s recruitment provided vital experience, depth and flexibility to the Saints’ big man stocks.

“Paddy at his best is one of the premier ruckmen in the league, but he is also a dangerous marking target in attack,” Gallagher said.

“Despite Rowan Marshall stepping up this season, adding depth and versatility to our ruck department was one of our biggest priorities entering the trade period.

Bringing in Paddy allows us more flexibility. He and Rowan are very different players but both have the capacity to play some strong football as ruckmen and as forwards.

“We also expect Paddy to play an important mentoring role in helping Rowan develop his craft, as well as working with our strong contingent of young Aboriginal players.”

Ryder was excited to join St Kilda and help the red, white and black surge up the ladder.

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“I can’t wait to get started with the Saints,” he said.

“They are a team on the up and have some really talented young guys that I am looking forward to playing with.

“I hope I can add some experience and help us climb the ladder quickly.” Prior to being traded to Port Adelaide, Ryder played 170 games for Essendon.