ESSENDON ruckman Paddy Ryder is believed to have chosen Port Adelaide as his club of preference.

The 26-year-old left Adelaide on Friday afternoon after meeting with Power coach Ken Hinkley on Thursday.

Ryder, who's still contracted with the Bombers, appeared likely to join either the Brisbane Lions or the Power.

AFL.com.au understands the Lions are of the belief that Ryder has chosen the South Australian club.

Port expects to learn for certain early next week whether it will secure Ryder's services.

After finishing the 2014 season as one of the competition's highest-scoring teams, the Power remain keen to bolster their attack with another tall forward/ruck option.

On Wednesday, Hinkley said Ryder would be the perfect addition to his side and would help first-choice ruckman Matthew Lobbe.

He also insisted questions over Ryder's future, given ASADA's ongoing investigation into Essendon's supplements saga, wouldn't hinder the Power's recruiting efforts, just as similar questions didn't stop the club securing former Bomber Angus Monfries at the end of 2012.