PORT Adelaide giant Patrick Ryder gave Power fans a glimpse of what they wanted to see, then left them craving more.
Ryder's tap work in the ruck and his ability to trouble defenders with his large frame in attack was on display at the Power's intra-club trial at Alberton Oval in front of a crowd of 4000 on Friday.
It was Ryder's first game since serving a 12-month anti-doping suspension as part of the Essendon supplements saga.
Ryder played the first half before he was substituted at the main break.
"Today was about him getting a half, it wasn't so much about, 'Is he playing really good footy?" Power senior assistant coach Matthew Nicks said.
"To get some connection with some of the midfielders he'll be playing with – Travis Boak, Ollie Wines and Sam Powell-Pepper – is a bonus."
Jackson Trengove – who toiled manfully in the middle for the Power last season – shared the ruck duties with Ryder while also playing in attack.
Trengove acquitted himself well in the forward line, booting a couple goals.
Another interesting move was seeing how creative forward Chad Wingard would adjust to spending more time in the midfield.
"He had a fair bit of footy," Nicks said.
"Chad is the sort of guy who will make a mistake and then he will learn from it.
"It's a different game in the midfield and I thought today was a real positive.
"He will play an important role for us."
The Power would have also been pleased to see key forward Charlie Dixon move freely after off-season ankle surgery.
Dixon kicked three majors before given an early shower at the final break.
Jared Polec's game time was also managed because of his history of injuries.
Small forward Aaron Young was the leading goalkicker on the ground with four majors.
The Power fielded a squad of 50 players for the internal trial with the Possibles running out 50-point winners, 14.11 (95) to 7.3 (45) against the Probables.
Midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper looks set to make a round one debut after looking assured for the Probables team.
Nathan Krakouer's move from defence to attack appears to be a success, while emerging big man Billy Frampton was among the best for the Possibles, providing a strong marking target and competing well in the ruck.
"He was great today, Krak," Nicks said.
"We know what he can to do in offence creatively, but he really put some pressure on in defence."
Hamish Hartlett made several impressive contributions from the half-back flank as he makes a permanent move to defence.
Three-time best and fairest Robbie Gray was rested, while defender Darcy Byrne-Jones (groin), forwards Angus Monfries (shoulder) and Jesse Palmer (groin), ruck Dougal Howard (knee) and draftee Todd Marshall (rest) also missed the game.
The Power begins its JLT Community Series campaign against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night, February 23.
Ryder, Dixon and Polec will be managed through the pre-season competition ahead of the round one clash with Sydney at the SCG.
Chad Wingard battles through traffic during Port's intraclub. Picture: AFL Photos
Aidyn Johnson shows his pace at Alberton Oval. Picture: AFL Photos
Tom Clurey and Brett Eddy contest a loose ball. Picture: AFL Photos
