RETURNING West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett has been set the challenge of breaking even with Port Adelaide's Paddy Ryder.

Lycett hasn't played a match this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in March, and he faces a huge first-up task against the Power at Domain Stadium on Sunday.

Ryder carved up the Eagles in round seven, tallying 42 hit-outs, 20 disposals, seven marks, and a goal in a masterful display.

His dominance helped Port Adelaide win the clearances (44-35) and inside-50m count (68-39), but West Coast made the most of their limited chances to win by 10 points.

If Ryder gets off the leash again, it could propel Port Adelaide to an important win in Perth.

West Coast ruck coach Dean Cox is backing Lycett to lift for the challenge, saying the 24-year-old is ready to go after making it through four WAFL matches unscathed.

"Ryder is probably the form ruckman in the competition at this present stage," Cox said.

"If Lycett can square that battle off, it will go a long way towards getting the result we're after.

"Throughout the whole year Ryder's given his midfielders first use.

"He's been really good around the ground taking contested marks.

"So it's just a matter of trying to make sure we quell some of his influence, because he was very dominant against us last time."

West Coast have been boosted by the return of Shannon Hurn (concussion), Mark LeCras (hip), and Matt Priddis (thigh), while Josh Kennedy (calf) will miss another week.

It means Lycett and Nathan Vardy will team together in the ruck, with Drew Petrie to play up forward.

Port Adelaide called up debutant Joe Atley and Jack Hombsch to replace Jake Neade (omitted) and Matthew Broadbent (ankle).

LeCras and Priddis have copped widespread criticism for their series of underwhelming displays in recent times but Cox is confident his former teammates will produce a strong display.

The Power have been labelled pretenders for their inability to beat a top-eight side this season.

But Eagles coach Adam Simpson said Port Adelaide's ability to thrash a number of sides this year meant they were a premiership threat.

"It's a pretty good system they've got there," Simpson said.

"They've definitely improved since last year, and they're a genuine threat to go all the way this year."