FORMER Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder has opened up on the tough decision to leave Alberton, after his trade to St Kilda during the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period.

Despite loving his time at Port Adelaide, Ryder admitted it was in the best interests of himself and the club to make the move to Moorabbin.

“I loved it, absolutely loved it,” Ryder told SEN SA’s Breakfast program on Friday morning.

“I made so many friends and made some really good connections there. I met some of the best people in my life at Port Adelaide.

“I actually loved my time there. I didn’t want to leave in the end, but it was best for both myself and the club moving forward.”

The All-Australian said it was an emotional night saying goodbye to his teammates at the club’s best and fairest a fortnight ago, with Ryder saving special praise for Travis Boak who took out the John Cahill Medal.

“Seeing all of my mates, it was actually really emotional for me,” Ryder said.

“I got through it, and it was good to see the boys rewarded, especially Boaky on that night.

“It was good to head along and see the boys.”

In his time at Alberton, Ryder won All-Australian honours and a club best and fairest of his own in 2017.

But he was most proud of the work he did in the industry-leading Indigenous programs run by Pauly Vandenbergh.

“That’s something that I have grown to love more since being at Port,” the 31-year-old said.

“Being around Pauly (Vandenbergh) and his programs, and the way all of the boys get involved in the programs.

“That’s what it’s all about - sometimes it’s not all about footy. It’s about your standing in the community and how you get out there and interact with the younger community.

“It’s about keeping them engaged, and provide that leadership and be a role model for the next generations coming through.

“I’m really happy with what I’ve done at Port Adelaide.”

Ryder leaves the Power having played 73 games and kicking 54 goals since arriving from Essendon at the end of 2014.