Essendon, Port and Saints' fan favourite Paddy Ryder will receive honours as an AFL life member acknowledging his stellar status in the game over 17 seasons.

The Noongar-Yamatji man's 281 career games plus 26 preseason outings tips him into automatic qualification granted to players who reach the triple-century.

He will be inducted alongside a list of his contemporaries, pundits and women's footy flag bearers at the AFL season launch next month.

Ryder joins Richmond's Trent Cotchin, former players Todd Goldstein, Steele Sidebottom and Josh J. Kennedy, commentators Bruce McAvaney and Eddie McGuire, and player, coach and administrator Lisa Hardeman as incoming life members.

Ryder started his career with the Bombers in 2006 after recruitment from WAFL side East Fremantle with the seventh pick in the 2005 draft.

After establishing himself as a leading ruckman in the competition and equally versatile tall around the ground he took his talents across to the Power ahead of the 2014 season.

He spent the twilight of his career, though no less imposing in his later years, with St Kilda before hanging up the boots at the end of last season.

He retired as an All Australian, Port best-and-fairest, and International Rules representative.

Ryder's goodbye left many fans disappointed to see the end of his tenure at the top level.

In October he signalled a move to Mornington Peninsula division two club Devon Meadows Panthers to continue his footy with mates.

The AFL season launch is set for March 9 in Melbourne.