WITH his first game for the club under his belt, Paddy Ryder is eager to build into season 2015.

Despite a narrow loss to Fremantle on the weekend, there were positive signs from Ryder who shouldered most of the ruck work after the late withdrawal of Matthew Lobbe.

“It felt good to get out there and get the run back in the legs, try and get that match fitness back into myself,” Ryder said.

“It’s going to get better as the season progresses, I’ll also get to play more matches with Robbie and Trav and Ollie and really get to know how they play the game.”

Before the game, Ryder was presented his number four guernsey by Gavin Wanganeen, a legend of the same jumper for Port Adelaide.

“I was pretty nervous actually, just an awesome moment to be presented a jumper by Gav, everyone knows how special he is so that was really good.”

Ahead of the weekends clash with Sydney, Ryder is looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd at Adelaide Oval for the first time.

Ryder has played once before at the ground and is aware of just how intimidating the Port Adelaide crowd can be.

“I’ve heard a lot about the atmosphere there as far as the Port Adelaide people are concerned, I’m just looking forward to getting out there and hearing the crowd get behind the boys.”

Speaking after the game against Fremantle, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was pleased with Ryder’s performance coming off an interrupted preparation.

“I thought even late in the game he was getting on top of them,” Hinkley said.

“We know that there is some significant upside for us with Paddy and then when we get Lobbes into the side, it is really going to help us.”