THE RETURN of former Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder has given Port Adelaide a boost during its preparations for 2017 as it seeks redemption after two seasons outside of the finals.

The high leaping 28-year-old is in terrific shape and is bursting at the seams in anticipation of playing, according to his coach Ken Hinkley.

"He is full of enthusiasm. He hasn't played [and] he's desperate to do well," Hinkley told AFL.com.au.

"He's brought an excitement to our team that we needed because of the last couple of seasons."

Ryder will line up for the Power on Thursday night for the first time since 2015 after serving the season-long ban handed to 34 past and present Essendon players by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last year.

He finished 2015 with 188 games experience under his belt and his talent as a ruck/forward about to blossom.

With key position player Jackson Trengove temporarily filling in as ruckman, Port Adelaide struggled to win hit-outs last season.

That makes Ryder's comeback keenly anticipated, although Hinkley is realistic about what he might provide.

"The hope is that Paddy will be the player he can possibly be for us," Hinkley said.

"Sometimes you become a better player when you are not there.

"[We] don't want to put unreasonable expectations on him. We just want him to play his part in the team and he is excited by that [prospect]."

Hinkley said Ryder's absence had hardened Port Adelaide's midfield as it was forced to play a blue-collar style of football in 2016.