PORT Adelaide mid-season recruit Cam Sutcliffe has staked his claim to be retained on the Power's list next season with a strong performance in the club's 30-point SANFL qualifying final win against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Fellow experienced campaigners Trent McKenzie and Jack Trengove were also influential as they attempt to earn new contracts.
Sutcliffe had 27 disposals and seven tackles as Port overran the Crows in the last quarter to get home, 12.13 (85) to 8.7 (55).
The 27-year-old midfielder received an AFL lifeline in the mid-season rookie draft after 104 games with the Dockers and played five games for the Power this season.
Peter Ladhams and Cam Sutcliffe celebrate their first win in Power colours. 
McKenzie, 27, had to wait until the Power's final game of the season to get his opportunity, but took his chance with 21 disposals in the round 23 win against the Dockers.
The former Gold Coast defender was heavily involved against the SANFL Crows with 27 touches, including 24 kicks, while keeping Crows forward Darcy Fogarty to one goal.
Trent McKenzie in action against the Dockers in round 21. 
Trengove – who turns 28 on Monday – continued his strong SANFL form with 29 disposals.
The former Melbourne captain couldn't get into the Power's line-up this year after playing three games in 2018.
FROM THE TWOS Young Cat left sore, Tiger rucks face off
One player who is definitely a part of Port's future is ruckman Peter Ladhams.
The 21-year-old, signed to a three-year extension in August, put in a dominant display (23 disposals, 17 contested, two goals) against a Crows' side without a specialist ruckman after rookie Kieran Strachan (concussion) was a late scratching.
Uncontracted veteran Sam Jacobs was eligible to play, but sat out the game, leaving key forward Elliott Himmelberg to compete gamely in the ruck.
Ladhams will challenge premiership-winning big man Scott Lycett to be the Power's lead ruckman next year, while they could also potentially play in the same side.
Midfielder Willem Drew (31 disposals) showed he's ready to step up if the Power put big-bodied mid Sam Powell-Pepper on the trade table.
Willem Drew found AFL opportunities harder to come by in 2019. 
The big positive for the Crows was the performance of several of their youngsters.
First-year defender Lachlan Sholl found plenty of the ball across halfback, finishing with 24 disposals, and his ball use was excellent.
Chayce Jones was electric at times when used through the midfield in a sign of things to come for last year's ninth overall pick in the draft, who played seven senior games in his debut season.
Chayce Jones caught the eye in his first season at the top level. 
Small forward Tyson Stengle, who could get an increased role next year if veteran Eddie Betts leaves the Crows, kicked two goals.
Port will face minor premier Glenelg in next week's major semi-final.
The Crows will aim to keep their season alive against Norwood after the Redlegs defeated Sturt by 14 points in the elimination final.
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