Emerging Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder has resisted an urge to go home, signing a three-year deal with the AFL club.

Ryder, 21, has committed to the Bombers until the end of the 2012 season.

It's the second bit of good news for the club this week involving Ryder - on Tuesday night, he beat a rough conduct charge at the tribunal.

Ryder has been outstanding since becoming Essendon's No.1 ruckman on Anzac Day, when David Hille suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the epic win over Collingwood.

Ryder is from Western Australia and said he misses his family, while adding the final decision to stay with the Bombers was straight-forward.

"I had it in the back of my mind about going back home, but in the end it was a pretty easy decision," he said.

"I've got a lot of mates around here and it's an exciting time at the footy club, with all the young players coming through.

"I'm a fairly close family man, so it's hard living over here, but my family understands that I'm playing footy and doing what I love.

"I reckon it gets harder the longer you're away, but it's turning out alright."

Ryder was mainly a defender until Hille's injury, but has relished the added responsibility.

Injuries to fellow ruckmen Jason Laycock and Tom Bellchambers, as well as Hille's long-term absence, have made Ryder invaluable to Essendon.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP