AFL fans mock embarrassing social media stuff involving Saints teammates Paddy Ryder and Brad Hill

Eagle-eyed AFL fans have called out an embarrassing gaffe from the Footy on Nine social media team which butchered the retirement announcement of St Kilda veteran Paddy Ryder.

The hard-nosed ruckman, 34, announced his decision to hang up his boots to teammates ahead of Saints’ captain’s run on Saturday morning.

Ryder also previously played for Essendon and Port Adelaide across 17 seasons in the AFL.

Footy on Nine attempted to tweet the news soon after it broke – only to run an image of Ryder’s teammate Brad Hill next to the career achievements of Ryder.

‘Wow, this is not great,’ tweeted one AFL supporter, with another stating ‘gee running the social media can be a tough job.’

The tweet was hastily deleted on Footy on Nine’s social media channels.

Ryder has played 281 career games and will chase a Sherrin for the final time on Sunday at Marvel Stadium versus the Swans.

The East Fremantle product was drafted to the Bombers through the 2005 National Draft as the seventh overall selection.

He joined the Power in 2015 and then became a Saint in 2020. 

Eagle-eyed AFL fans have called out an embarrassing gaffe from Footy on Nine’s social media team which butchered the retirement announcement of St Kilda veteran Paddy Ryder

The social media department at Footy on Nine uploaded a series of images online of Ryder’s teammate Brad Hill

‘It’s been a really tough decision to come to, but I know it’s the right one,’ Ryder said when reflecting on his pending retirement.

‘I’ve been lucky to live out my childhood dream, playing at three great clubs with some amazing players, including my cousin Bradley.

‘I’ve loved the role it’s enabled me to play in the community and the platform it’s given me to help educate people about Indigenous culture.

‘Playing in games like the Dreamtime at the ‘G, and this year running out with six of my brother boys against Hawthorn – they’re the moments I’ll remember forever.

‘I want to thank all my current and former teammates, coaches and staff, particularly Kevin Sheedy, Matthew Knights, Mark Thompson, James Hird, Ken Hinkley and Brett Ratten.  ‘Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do my favourite thing week in, week out.’