MPFNL 2023: Devon Meadows daring to dream with Paddy Ryder in top form
Paddy Ryder is winning fans on and off the ground in the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League this season.
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Paddy Ryder is winning fans on and off the ground in the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League this season.
Playing with Devon Meadows in Division 2, the former AFL 281-game star has booted 27 goals in five games, and had four mentions in the best.
With him firing at full-forward, the Panthers, who have never won a senior premiership, are daring to dream.
Ryder’s brilliant play has been matched by his attitude.
He’s embraced the local football community and is regularly spotted having a kick with kids after games.
In Round 10, Ryder had an absorbing battle with talented young Edithvale-Aspendale defender Hugo Clarke.
Ryder kicked six goals to help Devon Meadows win, but he spent a large portion of the game encouraging and coaching Clarke.
“We were really impressed with Paddy Ryder,” Edi-Asp assistant coach Gary Rees said.
“By the end of game he was telling Hugo how to play on him, where to run and what to do.
“And after the game…at 6.10 he was still in his footy gear out on the ground signing autographs and taking photos.
“You can’t put a dollar value on that. He just doesn’t brush kids off…all these little kids, he was having a kick with them.”
Edi-Asp coach Paul McCormack said Ryder was a class above in the local comp.
“Mate, he’s the best local footballer I’ve ever seen,’’ McCormack, who played for Carlton, said.
“He should be playing AFL footy.
“I’ve been coaching 20 years in local footy and he’s the best I’ve seen. He just makes it look so easy. If it comes within 20 metres of where he is, forget it.’’
Ryder’s Devon Meadows will tackle local rivals Pearcedale at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Four former AFL players will be in action: Ryder and Dean Kent for Devon Meadows and Dayne Beams and Ryan Bastinac for Pearcedale.
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