Hamstrung Ryder ruled out for the rest of the season
St Kilda ruckman Paddy Ryder has been ruled for the rest of the season with a hamstring tendon injury.
The veteran big man was in tears as the siren sounded on St Kilda's three-point elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday after suffering the injury in the game's dying moments.
Paddy Ryder with St Kilda's Jarryd Roughead.Credit:Getty Images
Ryder may go under the knife but in any case won't play in Friday night's semi-final against Richmond or any of the Saints' ensuing finals should they win. Ryder was close to best afield against the Bulldogs.
"It's really disappointing for Paddy who has given everything to the club this season and played such an important role last night against the Dogs," St Kilda chief operating officer Simon Lethlean said.
"Whether or not the injury requires surgery will be determined in the coming days after speaking with relevant experts.
"All teams face injuries to key players and we now have to find a way without Paddy.
"Part of the motivation for our group now is to make sure we don't let him down and instead step up."
The Saints could also be without Jake Carlisle for the rest of the season as the defender weighs up whether to leave the AFL bubble to be with his expectant partner.
St Kilda will also learn on Sunday whether backman Ben Long is offered a suspension for his high bump on Bulldog Jack Macrae.
Swingman Josh Battle is no guarantee to return against the Tigers as he battles foot soreness.