Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder has agreed to terms that will see him stay at Windy Hill for at least the next three seasons. Ryder, 21, has proved his value this season when he was forced in to the ruck when the Bombers #1 ruckman David Hille was sidelined with an ACL in round 5 this season.

Ryder has had to face the AFL tribunal and had precautionary scans on his wrist already this week, the new deal tops off what has been a big week for the young ruckman.

Although agreeing to stay at the club until the end of 2012, Ryder admitted that he had to resist the urge to move back to Western Australia to be with family.

“I had it in the back of my mind to return back home, but in the end it was an easy decision,” Ryder said.

“I’m a fairly close family man so it’s hard living over here, but my family understands that I’m playing footy and doing what I love, so it’s best for me to stay over here.”

“I reckon it gets harder the longer you’re away, but it’s turning out all right.”

“I have a lot of friends here and Essendon is the best place for me to be.”

Ryder has played 63 games since being drafted by the Bombers with pick No.7 at the 2005 AFL National Draft.