The former Swan Districts ruckman has been training with the Ovens and Murray power since recently relocating to Albury and will complement big men Luke Wells, Josh Dicketts and Matt Fowler.

Ryder, 36, is originally from Canberra and, in between stints overseas, has played with Swan Districts, Balmain Dockers, Sydney Hills Eagles and Tuggeranong Hawks.

Tigers president Gavan Schultz said the club was delighted to secure the journeyman.

“His wife is from here originally and he’s played a bit of good footy over the years,” Schultz said.

“He’s looking to have a kick and he was recommended to us by one of our sponsors.

“We had a chat to him and he’s been training with the boys and going well.

“We are hoping he’ll play senior footy. It’s just a matter of getting his body right.”

Ryder, who stands 195 centimetres, has family connections to Lockhart.

He said he liked what he saw at the Tigers.

“They’ve got such a great reputation, outside the league as well, and I wanted to get amongst it and be a part of the community,” Ryder said.

He said preseason had “been tough, I won’t lie there”, but said he was enjoying his new club.

“We’ve been working pretty hard,” Ryder said. “The boys are looking fit and strong.”

After the recent signing of All-Australian ruckman Wells, Ryder’s addition is set to give the Tigers plenty of ruck depth.

He joins fellow recruits Dean Polo, Bryce Carroll, Matthew Shir, John Mitchell, Linton Congram and Wells.