Bomber Paddy Ryder is hoping for as much game time as possible in the upcoming NAB Cup. Ryder said gaining early match fitness is the best preparation for the home and away season.

“I’d like to get a lot of game time in the NAB Cup to make sure I’m ready to go for Round One and get all the rust out of the way in the pre-season games,” Ryder told Coach James Hird.

“I’m certainly a lot fitter this time around and I’ve trained a lot harder this pre-season and all the boys are feeling the benefits of it.”
Click here to watch A Word from Hird on Bomber TV

The young ruckman will also be playing in the Indigenous All-Stars game against Richmond on Saturday February 5 at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s always a big game to get out there with the rest of the indigenous boys and it’s a lot of fun as well so I’m really looking forward to it,” he said

Ryder said spearhead Mark Williams had taken over from Kyle Reimers as the practical joker among the playing group.

“Willo is starting to move up there, he’s pretty annoying at times. Just the way he speaks and he’s always pinching and punching and looking to play around,” Ryder laughed.

While Brendan McCartney is the most annoying in the football department, Ryder said the assistant coach was always keeping the players on their toes.”

“He’s annoying, but it’s in a good way, he’s there to get the best out of everyone and if he sees you doing nothing, he’ll tell you to grab a footy and get over to him and do some handball,” He said
Click here to watch A Word from Hird on Bomber TV