An in form Patrick Ryder is an exciting prospect for all at Essendon heading into the club’s 2014 finals campaign kicking off against North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night.

Ryder has been in career best form this season showing his versatility as both a quality tap ruckman and hard running midfield option around the ground.

The 26-year-old big man has also displayed his capability to push forward when called upon booting 19 goals from 20 matches during the home and away season.

Ryder is set to be able to spend more time up forward on Saturday night with Tom Bellchambers showing glimpses of a return to form during the second half against Carlton on Saturday.

Coach Mark Thompson praised the season of the Bombers number one big man.

 “He has had a terrific year,” Thompson said.

“We love Paddy and we like his follow up work, he is kicking goals, he has rucked really well and I think he is enjoying his footy.”

“In the end you have to love what you do, be happy to go to work and I think he is at the moment.”

Thompson credits Ryder’s attitude towards feedback from his teammates as the platform for taking his game to a new level in 2014.

“We have encouraged teammates to talk to one another and tell them how it looks form where they are sitting,” he said.

“He has had a lot of support from his teammates to get him up so I think that is what has happened.”

Captain Jobe Watson said the highflying ruckman has shown great development throughout the season both on and off the field.

“I think there has been more engagement on a peer to peer level and Paddy has been responsive to it,” Watson said.

“He has wanted to be a better player and he has acted accordingly.”

“It works like momentum, when you get so many people giving you the same message inevitably it becomes second nature to you and you start behaving in that way.”

“He has had a fantastic year, he has been excellent.”