In a nutshell
Consistently inconsistent. The Power looked like world-beaters one week, and very ordinary the next. Some positive signs given the injection of youth into their list.
What we said in the pre-season
The Power were projected to miss the finals after losing the likes of Chad Wingard and Jared Polec at the end of last season. Connor Rozee's form in the JLT Community Series had last year's No.5 overall draft pick as a serious contender for the NAB AFL Rising Star award. Rozee didn't disappoint, producing an outstanding first season at the elite level.
What worked
Power future looks Rozee
All of three of Port's first-round selections from last year – Connor Rozee, Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters – made an impact at senior level.
Former skipper thrives in midfield return
Travis Boak was outstanding with an increased midfield role and without the burden of captaining the side as he had done for the past six seasons.
Houston, we have lift-off
Dan Houston's move from defence to midfield was an inspired choice, adding a quality ball user to a midfield full of inside bulls.
What failed
Efficiency in forward half of the ground
The Power's delivery into their forward 50 and finishing was below par. Only three players kicked more than 20 goals for the season – Rozee (29), Robbie Gray (24) and Sam Gray (20).
Lycett/Ryder ruck combo
Star recruit Scott Lycett was better as a solo ruckman than sharing the duties with Paddy Ryder, before being dropped late in the season.
Co-captain endures tough leadership initiation
Ollie Wines couldn't get going after his wakeboarding accident on Australia Day. Shoulder, leg and thumb injuries restricted him to 12 games in his first season as co-captain.
Overall rating
D+.
The Power failed in their goal to reach the finals, but unearthed some promising youngsters along the way.
The coach
Ken Hinkley was under the pump after missing the finals for the fourth time in the past five years. However, chairman David Koch and CEO Keith Thomas has assured Hinkley will be the coach in 2020. He needs to make the finals next year to trigger his contract in 2021.
MVP
Travis Boak: The former skipper had the weight of captaincy lifted off his shoulders that co-incided with a return to the midfield. His best individual season for a number of years.
Surprise packet
Dan Houston: Showed promise last season as a half-back flanker, but took his game to another level when moved into the midfield. Houston's excellent kicking and decision-making is just what the Power's midfield needs.
Get excited
Connor Rozee: Lightning quick with the ability to produce something out of nothing. Rozee – last year's No.5 overall selection - led the Power's goalkicking with 29 goals. Dangerous as a forward with the prospect of moving into the midfield.
Disappointment
Steven Motlop: The former Geelong speedster's career is at a crossroads after playing just 14 games, kicking seven goals. The 28-year-old – who is contracted for two more years – has been overtaken by several youngsters.
Best win
Round five: Port Adelaide 13.17 (95) d West Coast 8.5 (53)
Given zero chance of beating the reigning premiers in Perth, the Power effectively ended the game at halftime having sprinted out to a 49-point lead.
Best individual performance
Robbie Gray: Round 16 v Adelaide
With Travis Boak sidelined with injury, Gray picked up the slack to bring down the Crows in Showdown 47. Gray had 35 disposals, including 16 contested, and 10 clearances to win his fifth Showdown Medal.
Low point
It's impossible to go past the Power's 86-point drubbing at the hands of North Melbourne in round 22. The Power were on track to make the finals before being embarrassed by the Kangaroos.
The big questions
Will Ken Hinkley coach the Power beyond 2020?
Can the Power finally learn to become more consistent?
Are Ollie Wines and Tom Jonas a good fit as co-captains going into next year?
Season in a movie title
The Fast and the Furious – the Power's new up-tempo game style was electric at times, but the engine still has a few kinks to sort out.
Who's done?
Retirements: None
Delistings: None
Unsigned free agents: Matthew Broadbent, Justin Westhoff
How should they approach trade and draft period?
The Power should look to add outside speed and quality ball users to their list. Ruckman Paddy Ryder and small forward Sam Gray have already indicated they will be finding new clubs.
Early call for 2020
The Power will have all the ingreidents of a top-eight side, it's just about becoming more consistent, which should come with the development of their young players.
