Port Adelaide to learn from AFL if it needs new tactics for its All-Australian ruckman Patrick Ryder

PORT Adelaide star Patrick Ryder gave away six free kicks at the weekend as AFL teams work ways to block his run at stoppages. And the Power wants answers from the League.

PORT Adelaide lead ruckman Patrick Ryder is being tested by new “blocking” tactics the Power wants clarified by the AFL umpiring department before deciding if it needs to reprogram the All-Australian.

Ryder gave away a personal-high six free kicks in Saturday’s Shanghai clash with Gold Coast as Suns ruckman Jarrod Witts worked the new theme of blunting Ryder’s significant leap by blocking his run-up space.

The free-kick count against Ryder - now at telling 4-12 in four AFL games this season - is forcing Port Adelaide to not only ask the AFL umpires what is legal for the opposition in containing Ryder’s leap, but also what is allowed as Ryder responds to these ploys.

CHINA SYNDROME: PORT WANTS CLARITY ON 2019 TRIP

DOES MONEY TALK? $5M WON’T HELP SLOANE DEAL

“We’ll go to the umpires to get some clarification around a few rules,” said Port Adelaide forwards coach Brendon Lade.

Suns big man Jarrod Witts competes with Port’s Paddy Ryder. Pic: Getty Images

Lade described Ryder as “frustrated” by the tactics being used to defy his clearance-breaking ruck work. But the 2004 Power premiership ruckman admits he also would seek to block Ryder if he had to deal with the 214-game All-Australian.

“If I was rucking against ‘Paddy’, I’d not let him jump either,” Lade said. “But we need some clarification around some rules.

“And ‘Paddy’ will have to learn to deal with (those blocking tactics) and get better.”

Ryder’s stop-start season - he missed five games with left Achilles tendinitis - turned further in his favour on Saturday with his 42 hit-outs marking his ninth-best count in 12 AFL seasons. Of these 42, 15 were classed as a hit-outs to advantage which were significant in allowing the Power midfielders to break from congested stoppages at the rain-drenched Jiangwan Stadium.

Ryder gave away six free kicks against Gold Coast. Pic: Getty Images

Port Adelaide’s call to AFL House will not only deal with the Ryder question but the 36 free kicks called against the Power players, who won the game by 40 points.

The 36 was the highest count against Port Adelaide in the 124 AFL games coached by Ken Hinkley since he moved to Alberton in October 2012.

The Port Adelaide players - who have a four-day break after the China trip - will regather at Alberton on Friday for a full football debrief from their assistant coaches - and also the umpiring review.

Port Adelaide (6-3) will resume play on Saturday week against fellow finals contender Hawthorn at Launceston.

[e-mail]

LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >