Port Adelaide could still be a while away from seeing their All-Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder fit and healthy.
Ryder suffered an Achilles injury in their round one victory over Fremantle, and could be at least another five weeks away before we see him on the field again, as it is healing slower than expected.
Assistant coach Brendon Lade told reporters on Monday that, 'Ryder is up and down,' and explained the injury.
"The Achilles is a weird kind of muscle and takes a little bit of time sometimes, but he could be anywhere from two weeks to four or five, we just don't know."
2017 was the first year Ryder earned an All-Australian guernsey, with a dominant display in the ruck, as well as up forward for the Power, catapulting them to fifth position on the ladder.
However, since his injury in the opening round, the Power have been undermanned in the ruck position, with neither of their fellow rucks up to AFL standard according to coach, Ken Hinkley.
Dougal Howard, utility Justin Westhoff and star-forward Charlie Dixon have all been used in a makeshift ruck option, and will most likely be used until Ryder proves his fitness.
Second-year forward Todd Marshall will be tested during the week following his concussion in the defeat to the Bombers, while star-recruit Tom Rockliff will have to prove his fitness with tightness in his calf.
