IN-FORM Port Adelaide ruckman Paddy Ryder is staying relaxed ahead of facing Essendon for the first time since missing 12 months with an anti-doping suspension.

Ryder is in the mix for All-Australian honours – a remarkable feat after he was suspended last season because he was with the Bombers in 2012 during the supplements saga.

But Ryder said he doesn't have any extra motivation for Saturday night's game at Etihad Stadium.

"I feel pretty good emotionally, it's just another game," Ryder told Channel 7.

"It's good to see those guys back out there.

"Hopefully they're enjoying their footy like I am."

The 29-year-old has played a crucial role in the Power having a 6-4 record, the best percentage in the competition and sitting fifth on the ladder.

He is ninth in the League for hit-outs and in the top 20 for contested marks per game.

Ryder's outstanding work in the ruck has been a massive boost to the Power's midfielders.

"Paddy's one of the best ruckman in the league – I don't think many people are talking about him in All-Australian terms, but we definitely are," Power assistant coach Brendon Lade said.

"He's competing well, he's giving our midfielders first use a lot of the time and some of his hits are pretty good.

"You'd think after a year out he'd lose his leap and his timing, but he's got it back really quickly.

"It's great to watch a ruckman like that in full flight, jumping at the ball, hitting the ball anywhere."

Along with his ruck work, Ryder is starting to be used in attack to provide another tall option alongside key forward Charlie Dixon.

"I'm always comfortable going forward," Ryder said.

"Brendon Lade always talks about trying to get your name in the paper, so we joke about that.

"You add value to the team when you have guys who can play ruck and go forward