PADDY Ryder will make a welcome return for Port Adelaide next week in its home clash with West Coast, Power coach Ken Hinkley has announced.

The star ruckman aggravated an ongoing Achilles tendon issue in Port Adelaide's season-opener against Fremantle and hasn't played since.

Ryder's absence has severely weakened the Power and stretched their big-man stocks.

News of the 30-year-old's return will lift Port's spirits following the season-ending knee injury to playmaker Hamish Hartlett.

"We've only had Paddy for two quarters of the season, so that's not much, but he's tracking really well," Hinkley told SEN before the Power took on North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

"He sent me a text and it was the best news I've had all week ... said he was flying.

"So we're looking forward to having Paddy back in the side next week."

Hartlett's training mishap will hurt Port Adelaide's campaign but his coach was pleased to report that Hartlett has taken the right attitude to the setback.

"It is a blow, but Hartlett straight away said there's a lot worse things that go on and so he dealt with it pretty well," Hinkley said.

"He's a really important part of our leadership, not just as an on-field leader, but off-field as well.

"He's had surgery and he's ready to get on with the next phase, but that's footy."