Preliminary finalists Port Adelaide could become a genuine bidder for disenchanted Bomber Paddy Ryder as D-Day approaches for a decision from the 26-year-old who was due on Tuesday to hold another set of separate talks both with Essendon and his manager Paul Connors.

While the Brisbane Lions remain favourites to secure Ryder, Port Adelaide has become a genuine contender for the ruckman should he choose — as expected — to walk away from his club.

Hot property: Paddy Ryder is in demand. Credit:Getty Images

Ex-Bomber Angus Monfries has reportedly contacted his former teammate in an attempt to demonstrate his value to the Power, which has become increasingly concerned at its over-reliance on ruckman Matthew Lobbe. The brief loss of back-up ruckman Jackson Trengove to injury proved problematic.

The preference for Ryder's management has been to have several clubs in the running for his services to orchestrate a better deal with Essendon, which has been working hard to retain him. To date those efforts have failed to secure Ryder and he is expected to make a call within days and potentially before Friday's Federal Court decision on the joint AFL-ASADA investigation.