PORT Adelaide will allow defender Matthew Broadbent to decide when he is ready to resume playing after returning to the club for the first time since taking leave with a mental health issue.

Broadbent was a welcome sight at training on Thursday after spending just over two weeks away.

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Power coach Ken Hinkley said Broadbent would be given all the support he needed and won't be rushed back to playing before he felt he was ready to resume, firstly in the SANFL, before being considered for AFL selection.

"He and the doctor have talked through all the scenarios," Hinkley said.

"They're aware of everything they need to be aware of and then they'll make some good decisions, but (Broadbent) will make that call himself.

"It's almost a situation where he selects when he feels like he can play.

"If he came to me tomorrow and said, 'Mate, I want to play against (North Adelaide) on Saturday', I'd be happy enough to put him out there.

"But if he comes to me in three weeks, four weeks, and wants to play, equally as happy."

When he's ready, we'll be looking forward to him playing again - Ken Hinkley on Matthew Broadbent

Broadbent, 28, battled ankle injuries for the best part of 18 months before making his comeback in the round eight Showdown with Adelaide.

He played four straight games before he made the brave call to take time away to address his mental health.

"It was a real highlight to have him back around the club today for the first time," Hinkley said.

"He's feeling well himself, he felt well enough to come back and do some training.

"He actually did quite a lot of running.

"We don't put timeframes on what's going to happen in (Broadbent's) space, but all we know is we're here to support him and be in his corner.

"When he's ready, we'll be looking forward to him playing again."

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