Paddy Ryder’s decision to leave Essendon is “welfare driven” and not based on chasing more money, according to his manager Paul Connors. 

Connors confirmed the outgoing Essendon ruckman has set his sights on joining Port Adelaide.

“He’s locked-in [with the Power]. I think they’ll do a really good trade for him,” Connors told NAB AFL Draft Radio on Monday. 

“This is a purely welfare-driven decision.

“You can’t tell someone how to feel.

“He feels like he wants to play his footy elsewhere.” 

The 26-year-old, who is contracted to the Bombers until the end of 2016, met with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley last Thursday.