, who looks to have successfully demonstrated to Ryder his pivotal role in the Power's vision for 2015 and beyond.

Ryder's manager, Paul Connors, met Essendon officials on Friday to break the news that Ryder was quitting the club and that he would set about facilitating a trade between Port and his former club.

Port has offered Paddy Ryder (right) a five-year contract and told Essendon it would give up its first-round draft pick. Credit:Pat Scala

Connors also informed Brisbane Lions and Greater Western Sydney that the troubled Bomber was Port Adelaide-bound.

After a tense meeting on the eve of the grand final, involving Connors and Essendon list manager Rob Kerr, the prevailing view was the Ryder's old club would continue to play hard-ball at the trade table, having thrown up Ollie Wines and Chad Wingard as potential exchanges.