PORT ADELAIDE ruckman Paddy Ryder has revealed how players are occupying their time around training in Shanghai, ahead of Saturday’s game against Gold Coast.
While Jake Neade has brought his PlayStation and other players have occupied themselves playing cards, table tennis and fussball, Ryder said going for walks to check out the surroundings was also popular.
“The fitness staff have told us we are not allowed to sit around the hotel all day so the guys have been breaking off into small groups and just ducking off around the corner, having a look through the shops and stuff,” Ryder told radio station FiveAA.
“The hotel has all the food there so we mainly have to get away because last year I reckon I put on a kilo and a half because the buffet is too good.”
Ryder said the players had not experienced any issues with smog and haze in Shanghai, but the heat and humidity made training on Wednesday difficult.
“I reckon it’s the first time I’ve seen Travis Boak hunched over on the training track – he was blowing a bit,” Ryder revealed.
“It’s pretty humid so the boys have been sweating it up.”
Ryder is still managing his troublesome Achilles which saw him miss a number of matches early in the season.
He spent much of the long journey to Shanghai icing his legs but said that was part of a management plan he is comfortable with.
In his second game back on Saturday night, the reigning All-Australian had 39 hit-outs, 11 disposals and two goals against Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs, in the latest instalment of their rivalry.
He also managed five tackles and a mark of the year contender that showed he was moving and leaping freely.
Ryder said the thrilling Showdown victory has helped improve the belief around the playing group after five straight losses to the Crows.
“There might have been a little bit of doubt going into the game but we went out there and executed,” he said.
“I can already see blokes feeling really up and about and that’s what we want our boys to be doing, to be really confident in the way they’re playing their footy because everyone contributes at this club.”
He also revealed he hoped the harder edge the Power players displayed on Saturday night would become a regular part of their style.
Ryder was central to a number of push and shove incidents, including one before the opening bounce.
“It’s about initiating contact and not waiting for the opposition to see what they do,” he said.
“I always tell the boys through the midfield that I believe that we play our best footy when our guys are on edge and sometimes you’ve just got to go out there and start some push and shove and that helps kick-start the boys.
“Nothing stupid but all for the competitiveness of the team.”
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