Big man Patrick Ryder was fully aware of the work he had ahead of him when he finished last in the club’s first time trial of the pre-season back in November. It may have been the wake up call he needed, his motivation levels improved and with it so did his fitness.

The 25-year-old admits he took on board what his coach had to say to him following that run but simply ignored the outside criticism that came his way.

“I just had to get back out there and keep working hard and not listen to everything that was being said externally,” Ryder said.

“I just focused on getting out there and working hard with my teammates and coaches.”

A fit Ryder showed his capabilities in last weekend’s NAB Cup match against Greater Western Sydney with 21 disposals (15 contested) and three goals.

Coach James Hird has made no secret of his want for Ryder to become a more consistent performer for the Bombers.

“Paddy has set a standard. Last year he set a standard and regressed occasionally,” Hird said following Friday night’s game.

“If he sets that standard he needs to keep that standard. We thought his time in the ruck was exceptional today (against GWS).”

Essendon has a strong ruck contingent with Tom Bellchambers set to take on the number one ruck mantle from veteran David Hille this season.

The depth in ruck stocks at the club doesn’t waver Ryder’s confidence of still being able to play significant time through the middle of the ground.

“That is where I reckon I play my best footy so the more time I can spend in there the better,” Ryder said.

“We have a really good ruck division at the moment which will make it tough but it is only good for our midfielders and our team heading into the future.”

The 196cm big man signed a new four-year deal with the club last season to keep him at the Bombers until the end of 2016.

He maintains confident in the direction the club is heading following the recruitment of Brendon Goddard in the off-season, a move that is set to bolster the Bombers midfield stocks.

“Adding Brendon to the midfield group we have already seen the difference,” he said.

“It is like having another Jobe in there, another general running around so it is pretty good having him in there.

“A couple of the boys dropped a bit of weight but they have still maintained that power so I think our midfield is ready for a big season.”