The season so far
The Power have exceeded external expectations, winning six of their first 10 games to sit fifth on the ladder with the highest percentage (148.6) in the competition. Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines and rookie sensation Sam Powell-Pepper have given a hard edge to the midfield while getting the ball in Chad Wingard's hands more often is paying dividends. The return of ruckman Patrick Ryder has been invaluable to give his midfielders first use of the ball. Key forward Charlie Dixon is in career-best form, as are defenders Tom Jonas and Jack Hombsch. The Power are on track for their first finals appearance since 2014.
Quarters won: 29
Players used: 28
Yet to play: Jake Neade, Angus Monfries, Todd Marshall, Billy Frampton, Matthew Lobbe, Logan Austin, Riley Bonner, Willem Drew, Joe Atley, Dougal Howard, Will Snelling, Jesse Palmer, Peter Ladhams, Jarrod Lienert, Cameron Hewett, Emmanuel Irra, Nathan Krakouer
Stats leaders
Disposals: Ollie Wines (276, 27.6 per game)
Marks: Charlie Dixon (65, 6.5 per game)
Goals: Charlie Dixon and Robbie Gray (24, 2.4 per game)
Tackles: Brad Ebert (80, 8.0 per game)
Metres gained: Jared Polec (458.5m per game)
Contested marks: Charlie Dixon (29, ranked No.1 in the League)
Best win
Round one v Sydney – 17.8 (110) to 12.10 (82). The Power put the football world on notice with a sensational performance against last year's grand finalists at the SCG.
One that got away
Round 10 v Geelong – 11.15 (81) to 11.13 (79). Patrick Dangerfield's goal with less two minutes on the clock denied the Power a famous victory.
Sam Powell-Pepper has been a revelation in his first season. Picture: AFL Photos
Best and fairest leader: Brad Ebert
Surprise packet: Sam Powell-Pepper
Who's struggling: Matthew White, Aaron Young, Brett Eddy
Missing in action: Angus Monfries. The experienced forward – who was suspended last season via a 12-month anti-doping suspension from the 2012 Essendon supplements saga – is pushing his case for a senior recall after strong form in the SANFL.
The concern
Whether the Power can take their game to the next level against a genuine premiership contender remains to be seen. They went very close against Geelong, but were unable to hold their nerves when the game was up for grabs.
Pass mark
A top-four finish should be the minimum the Power are aiming for.
The coach
Ken Hinkley has shaken off speculation about his future to have the Power playing an exciting brand of football. Every move Hinkley has made – switching Chad Wingard to the midfield, Hamish Hartlett to defence and Jackson Trengove as a tall forward – has paid off.
How the best 22 has changed
Midfielder Brendon Ah Chee forced his way back into side after great form in the SANFL. Aaron Young has played the past fortnight while Chad Wingard has been sidelined with a calf injury. Wingard has spent more time in the midfield and will split time in attack with Robbie Gray. Travis Boak has also played as a half-forward with Sam Powell-Pepper, Brad Ebert and Ollie Wines forming a big-bodied midfield.
B: Tom Clurey, Tom Jonas, Darcy Byrne-Jones
HB: Jasper Pittard, Jack Hombsch, Matthew Broadbent
C: Justin Westhoff, Ollie Wines, Jared Polec
HF: Travis Boak, Jackson Trengove, Jarman Impey
F: Sam Gray, Charlie Dixon, Robbie Gray
Foll: Paddy Ryder, Brad Ebert, Chad Wingard
I/C: Sam Powell-Pepper, Karl Amon, Brendon Ah Chee, Hamish Hartlett
In from pre-season best 22: Brendon Ah Chee, Jasper Pittard (hamstring), Jarman Impey (suspension)
Out from pre-season best 22: Riley Bonner, Aaron Young, Brett Eddy
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
Port fans: what's your mid-season verdict?
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Want more?
• State of Origin: Who'd play, who'd miss out?
