Young Adelaide forward Ned McHenry has passed the AFL’s concussion protocol and is likely to return against Melbourne on Saturday.

McHenry has not played since Round Eight against Port Adelaide after suffering a concussion and being subbed off.

He was subsequently ruled out of the Round Nine clash with West Coast.

“Ned got through training today well, the last tick in his concussion protocol prior to this weekend’s game,” assistant coach Nathan van Berlo said on Thursday.

“Provided he pulls up well from today, he’ll be playing for us on Saturday.

“He brings a certain energy to the team and I love the way he plays.

“We missed that on the weekend in terms of the forward presence and hunt at ground level, so really hoping he pulls up well.”

Adelaide’s coaching staff will look to rest young players during their first year of AFL.

“It’s certainly something we’ve discussed, not just for our young guys but our whole list,” van Berlo said.

“Our first-year players, a lot of them didn’t play footy last year (due to the pandemic)... now it’s that cumulative load they’ve got in AFL. We are mindful of that.

Senior forward Taylor Walker could also return following a managed week off.

“Tex is jumping out of his skin to come back, which is pleasing,” van Berlo said.

Adelaide’s Round 10 team will be announced at 5.50pm ACST on Thursday.