Essendon ruckman Patrick Ryder is reportedly considering a release clause in his AFL contract related to the club’s 2012 supplements saga.

On the eve of their first finals appearance in three years, Fairfax Media on Thursday suggested the 26-year-old is looking to move on by triggering a clause that allows players to leave in the event of a breach of duty of care.

No player swept up in the club’s 2012 supplements saga has yet invoked the clause.

The same report suggests Brisbane is a likely destination for Ryder, who is two years into a four-year deal with Essendon.

The Lions may seek to offer the Bombers their second-round draft pick by way of compensation.

Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton told SEN radio on Thursday that both player and club would need to put the issue to one side as the Bombers begin their finals campaign.

“You’ve got to treat it professionally… whatever will be at the end of the year, if you move on, fine,” Brereton said.

“But at the moment (the club should demand) your pledge for 100 per cent of your capacity as a footballer.”

Essendon did have good news on Thursday to report, with forward Patrick Ambrose signing a two-year deal with the club.

After an unlikely route to AFL football, Ambrose was rookie listed by the Bombers this year and hasn’t looked back, playing 16 matches.

The 23-year-old missed the draft and the TAC Cup, instead picked up through amateur football.

The Bombers finished the regular season in seventh spot – their best finish for a decade – and will play North Melbourne in an elimination final at the MCG on Saturday night.