St Kilda target spotted meeting with Carlton

Wantaway Port Adelaide big man Paddy Ryder might have nominated St Kilda as his preferred destination in 2020, but it appears as though he might be keeping his options open in case the Power and the Saints cannot reach a deal.

Ryder was spotted at Carlton’s Ikon Park headquarters this morning, meeting with the Blues who have yet to finalise their big-man stocks for next season.

Ryder, 31, formally notified the Saints back on September 25 that he wanted to be traded there, given that he was no longer guaranteed to be a best-22 player at Port Adelaide.

But the Saints have plenty on their plate, with Bradley Hill, Dougal Howard and Zak Jones also indicating they want to make their way to Moorabbin. Earlier on Thursday, the Saints strengthened their hand at the trade table when they swapped picks six and 59 to the Giants, in exchange for picks 12 and 18.

The likelihood is still that Ryder will get to the Saints, especially after the club obtained another first-round pick. But having a Plan B is the smart play at this time of the year.

Matthew Kreuzer is Carlton’s No.1 ruckman at this stage, followed by Levi Casboult, who remains unsigned. The Blues have also been linked to Hawk Marc Pittonet, who has yet to agree to an offer to remain with the Hawks.

Paddy Ryder to the Saints a done deal? Perhaps not. The Port wantaway was reportedly spotted meeting with the Blues at Ikon Park today. #AFLTrade

— Ashley Browne (@hashbrowne) October 10, 2019