In a move that paid dividends, the 18-year-old experienced his first outing in defence for Essendon last weekend, taking on the likes of Nathan Bock and Ian Perrie.
Ryder’s composure under pressure against Adelaide this round allowed him to take his game to a new level after exhibiting brilliant skills and remarkable agility for his size, assets which had previously distinguished him as an outstanding junior.
Born in Perth, Patrick moved to Geraldton as youngster before attending the Clontarf Football Academy. Patrick represented Western Australia in both the Under 18 and Under 16 NAB AFL Championships and was selected the Under 18 All Australian ruckman in 2005. He was also member of the AIS-AFL Academy in 2004 that toured Ireland.
He played a season with East Fremantle in the WAFL before being drafted.
Patrick is Essendon’s first nominee since Jason Laycock in Round five 2005.
Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2007 NAB AFL Rising Star.
The 2007 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of the National Australia Bank.
NAB will once again recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. NAB will present each of the 22 clubs with a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical and financial resources designed to assist them in developing future champions.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:
