TWO Essendon players, including ruckman Paddy Ryder, were warned by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority last year that their unborn babies could suffer from abnormalities as a result of the club's 2012 supplements program.

The other player was retired Bomber Mark McVeigh.

MARK ROBINSON: TOUGH CALL FOR RYDER FAMILY

The Herald Sun has learned Essendon lodged a formal complaint with AFL chief medical officer Dr Peter Harcourt in relation to the ASADA interviews with Ryder and McVeigh. The Bombers accused the anti-doping authority of "scaremongering".

Yesterday's Herald Sun revealed Ryder was considering invoking a new clause in the AFL's collective bargaining agreement that allows players to walk out on their club if they can prove it breached its duty of care.

A second Essendon player is also being shopped around by his management team under the breach of contract provision.

The young player is believed to have lined up in last week's Round 23 clash against Carlton.

A northern state AFL club yesterday confirmed it had been contacted by the player's representatives in recent weeks.

Ryder is known to have been one of the most affected Essendon players in the long-running drugs investigation.

The club yesterday conceded that Ryder had "concerns" but insisted he would not be traded and accused his manager, Paul Connors, of igniting the speculation.

The Brisbane Lions yesterday confirmed their interest in Ryder.

“If Paddy Ryder wanted to leave Essendon and we are his preferred club, we will obviously be looking to see what we can do. He is a fantastic player,’’ Lions football manager Dean Warren said.

Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell yesterday contacted Connors to express the club's deep disappointment that the issue had become public on the eve of Saturday night's final.

The Bombers play North Melbourne at the MCG in the Second Elimination Final.

Campbell questioned Connors' motives amid suggestions the exit clause is being used as a bargaining chip to increase Ryder's salary at Essendon. Connors has declined to discuss his client's future.

The Bombers say Ryder, 26, is contracted until the end of 2016 and have indicated they will fight any attempts by rival clubs to poach its players under the new provision.

"Essendon has no intention of trading Paddy Ryder," a club spokesman said.

“Paddy is contracted until the end of the 2016 season and is a valued much loved member of our playing group.

“Current media speculation about his future is premature and ill-informed.

“The club and Paddy Ryder had already agreed to sit down and discuss any concerns he has post-season.

“It is extremely disappointing that Paddy’s manager Paul Connors has chosen to play these matters out in the press on the eve of the club’s finals campaign.

“These actions have put unnecessary pressure on Paddy and his family.”

Jake Carlisle's manager, Anthony McConville, last night scoffed at suggestions his client was also considering walking out on the club.