Paddy Ryder makes MPFNL debut with Devon Meadows

Paddy Ryder says he was a bundle of nerves as he made an eye-catching debut for Devon Meadows in the Mornington Peninsula league.

Paddy Ryder in action for Devon Meadows against Pearcedale in MPFNL Division 2 on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Paddy Ryder says he was a bundle of nerves, but he looked fit and assured as he made a winning debut for Devon Meadows in the Mornington Peninsula league on Saturday.

The former Essendon, Port Adelaide and St Kilda big man kicked a goal and was a strong target up forward in Devon Meadows’ 62-point win against local rival Pearcedale in the Division 2 season-opener.

Some in the crowd said he looked even fitter than when he played in the AFL.

“Over the past couple of weeks I’ve built up my fitness,” Ryder said.

“I didn’t come here expecting to dominate a game. At the back end of the season I’ll be running better.

“I surprised myself a little bit today out there.

“I was always going to have two or three opponents against me. I was ready for that.

“My job was to mark the ball or bring it to ground.”

Paddy Ryder.

Dean Kent.

Ryder said he was unsure what to expect in his first game of local football since retiring from the AFL last August after 281 games.

“I always get nervous before games, it doesn’t matter where I play,” he said.

“Yeah, I was pretty nervous today. Nerves are good, though.”

Ryder had an immediate impact, taking an early mark and setting up teammate Joel Hillis for the opening goal.

In the second quarter he outmanoeuvred his Pearcedale opponent to take a one-handed mark and slot his first goal as a red-hot Devon Meadows built a big lead.

A bumper crowd lined Glover Reserve to watch Ryder and his former St Kilda teammate Dean Kent play for Devon Meadows, up against ex-AFL stars Dayne Beams and Ryan Bastinac in the blue and white hoops of Pearcedale.

Dayne Beams.

Josiah Kyle. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

Beams had little impact; he sat on the bench in the second half.

Ryder, though, said it was a great start to the season.

“I said I’ll play as many games as I can, I hope to play all the games,” he said.

“It was awesome being out here seeing all the kids, that’s the most enjoyable part of it, the kids coming on the ground and giving me a high five as I walked out to my position. I loved it out there today.”

Kent racked up nearly 40 touches and was in everything as Devon Meadows rushed to a 56-point lead at halftime. The Panthers led 10.11 to 0.4 at three quarter time before Pearcedale finally kicked its first goal in the last quarter and finished the game strongly, but Devon’s dominance in the first hour was telling.

The Panthers won 14.15 (99) to 5.7 (37).

Riley Simmons. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Kent was named best-afield, while co-captain Nick Battle was equally as dominant, running hard all game.

Ty Kirkwood, Hillis, St Kilda City ruck recruit Riley Simmons and Ryder were also in Devon’s best.

For Pearcedale, Luke Settineri, Ryan Bastinac and Luke Daniel tried hard.

In other Division 2 results, Crib Point made a flying start, stunning last season’s preliminary finalists Somerville by 17 points, 10.6 (66) to 6.13 (49).

New Hastings coach Gavin Artico made an immediate impact, steering his Blues to an all-the-way 53-point win over Seaford, 14.10 (94) to 5.11 (41).

The match between Mornington and Karingal was abandoned before halftime after a Karingal player was injured.