At his first media conference as a Power player, Ryder said his passion for the game had been extinguished at Essendon, where he had been worn down by the ongoing supplements drama.
Ryder said the saga had reached the point where he no longer wanted to be around the club where he played 170 games in nine seasons.
He said he then endured a stressful wait after requesting a trade to the Power, and spoke of his relief when told his ticket out of Essendon had been secured.
"With everything that went on, you sort of want to stay away from the club instead of going there, so it does take the enjoyment out of it," Ryder said on Thursday.
"As soon as the news came to me that the trade got done I was filled with happiness.
"I just wanted to get down here straight away and get involved as much as I can.
"Ever since the trade got done the time that I've enjoyed with my family has been immense … so much joy and a lot of good times."
Ryder has been touted as the Power's missing link, satisfying the club's need for another attacking target and an elite option to support Matthew Lobbe in the ruck.
Paddy Ryder outside Port Adelaide headquarters on Thursday. Picture: Getty Images
He believed the pair could forge a special partnership in 2015.
Given Port's success this year, finishing just three points shy of a Grand Final berth, few would argue its status as premiership contender.
Indeed, Ryder said his new team was "right on the verge" of the ultimate victory.
But rather than burdening himself with over-the-top expectations of taking his side to the pinnacle of the sport, he said he was focused on simply playing his part.
"There's no pressure that I'm putting on myself and I certainly won't be drawing that from outside of the footy club," he said.
"I'm a role player and that's what I'm here to do, to give 'Lobbes' a chop-out in the ruck.
"A few years ago I played with David Hille and he was the number one ruck at the time and we were able to come up with something good.
"I want to become the best ruck combination in the AFL with 'Lobbes'."
Ryder arrived in Adelaide on Wednesday afternoon and said he would look to relocate his family from Melbourne once he had settled and found accommodation.
