JARRAD Redden has taken a big step towards providing Port Adelaide with some much-needed back up for Matthew Lobbe, with Paddy Ryder's return to the field still up in the air.
Redden hasn't played since round 10, 2013, after an assortment of injuries that season and two bouts of left knee surgery last year.
He returned to the field in Albury on Saturday in an undermanned Power outfit that hung in against nearly a full-strength Richmond to go down by 66 points.
While he was understandably rusty against No.1 Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric, Redden got through the game and registered 21 hit-outs.
Ryder and fellow ex-Bomber Angus Monfries haven't played for Port this pre-season as they await the outcome of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal's hearing into alleged doping infractions at their former club in 2012.
The findings of the tribunal will be announced on March 31.
Power assistant coach Matthew Nicks said they hoped Redden would become "very important" for them this season with doubt over when Ryder could play.
"'Lobbes' has carried that rucking role all last year and it's quite a toll on his body," Nicks said.
"If we can get [Redden] up and going, he's a real key ruckman, he's a big body, a slightly different style to 'Lobbes' so it gives us that bit of flexibility.
"He's been working really hard, he's had two months where we've put him under pressure and we've asked him to respond and he has, so that's why he was here today."
Nicks said the Power were still unaware of when they'd be able to field Ryder for the first time.
"We have our fingers crossed we can get him as soon as possible … he's a very good player," he said.
While several of the Power's best 22 didn't travel to Albury, most are expected to feature next Saturday against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Hamish Hartlett may miss with a groin injury but Jarman Impey should be right to play after developing hamstring soreness ahead of the loss to the Tigers.
The winner of the first series of reality TV program The Recruit, Johann Wagner, played his first competitive game for Port on Saturday but was part of an inexperienced forward line monstered by Richmond's best defence.
However, Nicks said Wagner had the potential to be more than just a novelty player recruited via a television show.
"I think it's hard to judge a young player like him today," he said.
"With a lack of real leadership out there, guys like Travis Boak and Lobbe not being out there, [Jay] Schulz and [Justin] Westhoff in our forward line, it's really hard for a young kid like 'Yoey' to get into a game like that.
"What we were looking for really was some individual stuff we can work on, but as a team how did these guys perform?
"So we are not going to go too hard at 'Yoey'. I think he has got some fantastic potential, but maybe in a better side we might see a little bit more."
Jack Redden is a $248,000 ruckman in NAB AFL Fantasy this year. Set up a live draft and take on your mates in Fantasy Elite now.
Twitter: @AFL_JenPhelan https://twitter.com/AFL_JenPhelan
