Ken Hinkley says Paddy Ryder has Port Adelaide future but must find SANFL form with Justin Westhoff

Port coach Ken Hinkley has revealed club champions Paddy Ryder and Justin Westhoff will have to find form in the SANFL before earning a recall, with returning Tom Rockliff a chance of joining them in the state league.

Charlie Dixon and Peter Ladhams train at Alberton. Picture SARAH REED

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Port Adelaide coach says Paddy Ryder and Justin Westhoff won’t be recalled to face Western Bulldogs while Tom Rockliff is destined to join the veterans in the SANFL this weekend.

Hinkley believes one-game ruckman Peter Ladhams deserves another chance at AFL level with Dougal Howard accepting a one-match suspension for striking Geelong defender Harry Taylor.

Hinkley wants off-contract Ryder and club champion Westhoff to find form in the SANFL against North Adelaide before being considered for a return to the Power.

Justin Westhoff and Patrick Ryder will both line up in the SANFL this weekend. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“It is unlikely for us that we would bring anyone back in that actually haven’t played,” said Hinkley of the duo who trained last Saturday but didn’t play due to an SANFL bye.

Willem Drew could be recalled after Karl Amon accepted a one-match ban for rough conduct while Ladhams was backed by Hinkley to replace Howard.

“Drew has been in outstanding form. Ladhams has been in an outstanding form, we really do want to have a another look at big Peter so there are opportunities if he goes out there and can play a Dougal-type role.”

Paddy Ryder, 31, wants a two-year deal to remain at Alberton and has been linked with interstate clubs including Geelong, GWS and Richmond if he remains on the outer.

Hinkley said 2017 All-Australian Ryder would only receive a short-term deal given his age but had a future at Alberton.

“We are really comfortable that any manager would want to potentially get a longer term for any of their players,” Hinkley told SEN.

“I think Paddy is aware that at his stage of his career — like Westy — that we won’t be talking about longer contracts, we will be talking about shorter term contract but we still want him to be part of our footy club.”

Port big man Peter Ladhams trains at Alberton Oval last week. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette)

Hinkley warned the only way into the senior set-up for Ryder with Scott Lycett as No. 1 ruckman was to force him to select two big men.

“He just needs to be able to play really well himself to earn those opportunities which I am sure he will do,” said Hinkley.

Charlie Dixon’s return will make it harder for Ryder to achieve a recall or front-line role in a ruck tandem with No. 1 ruckman Scott Lycett. Hinkey said it “doesn’t mean we won’t play two ruckmen in the future”.

“If you have two ruckmen in absolutely good form we will play them. We have Ladhams, Bill Frampton, Sam Hayes and Westy is in that space of talls who can play some ruck for us. We won’t rule out anyone.”

Hinkley said Rockliff who hasn’t played since Round 10 due a hamstring strain would was expected to resume through the SANFL but that a decision would be made later in the week.