Best 22 – Round 1
B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Clurey, Tom Jonas
HB: Hamish Hartlett, Dougal Howard, Dan Houston
C: Justin Westhoff, Ollie Wines, Jared Polec
HF: Travis Boak, Todd Marshall, Chad Wingard
F: Sam Gray, Charlie Dixon, Jack Watts
Foll: Paddy Ryder, Tom Rockliff, Brad Ebert
I/C: Dom Barry, Riley Bonner, Steven Motlop, Sam Powell-Pepper
Emerg: Karl Amon, Joe Atley, Billy Frampton, Jack Hombsch
Fans' season preview: Port Adelaide
2017 best and fairest top three
1. Paddy Ryder
2. Charlie Dixon
3. Tom Jonas
Injury list
Skipper Travis Boak (hamstring) and midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper (shoulder) are strong chances to face Fremantle in round one. Defender Jasper Pittard has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Matthew Broadbent is likely to miss at least the first six weeks of the season with an ankle injury. All-Australian forward Robbie Gray will miss round one through suspension.
The big questions
Will the Power's experienced recruits fire?
The early signs are good for Jack Watts and Steven Motlop. Watts booted six goals against Adelaide in the Power's second JLT game, while Motlop was also impressive through the midfield. Tom Rockliff has had an interrupted pre-season, firstly recovering from shoulder surgery and then a knee complaint, but should be right to go for round one. Any meaningful contribution the Power gets from Trent McKenzie, Jack Trengove and Lindsay Thomas is a bonus.
Recruit Jack Watts was in fine touch in the pre-season. Picture: AFL Photos
Can they hold their own against the best in the competition?
The Power were outstanding last season against teams in the bottom half of the ladder, but struggled to beat sides in the top eight. Even though they finished fifth on the ladder, there are still question marks about how they stack up with the genuine premiership contenders.
Where does Jack Hombsch fit in the Power backline?
Hombsch last year signed a contract extension until the end of 2019, but the 25-year-old finds himself out of the Power's best 22. Dougal Howard's emergence as a key defender, along with Tom Clurey's development, has seen Hombsch squeezed out of the side. Hombsch has had a few injuries, but would certainly generate some interest from rival clubs if he can stay on the park.
Check out every club's season preview
Look for…
The Power to have one of the most physically-imposing midfields in the competition this season. Ollie Wines, Tom Rockliff, Brad Ebert, Travis Boak and Sam Powell-Pepper don't shy away from a contest, while Chad Wingard and Steven Motlop provide dash and outside run. Contested ball is going to be their major weapon this season, especially with Paddy Ryder becoming the premier ruckman in the League.
Who they play
The Power will be racking up the frequent flyer miles. They have two trips to Perth and the round nine match in Shanghai against Gold Coast. They face Fremantle and West Coast twice, along with Showdown rivals Adelaide, Essendon and Western Bulldogs. The good thing for the Power is they have three straight prime-time home games against Richmond, the Bulldogs and Melbourne from rounds 12-14.
Fantasy cash cow
Winger Dom Barry ($170,000) is a popular choice on the bench of a lot of Fantasy Footy coaches. The 23-year-old has impressed in his second stint in the AFL system, finding plenty of the ball in the Power's first JLT game against West Coast. He should be in the side for round one, but does face some competition from Karl Amon and Jared Polec.
Sudden impact
Experienced recruits Rockliff, Watts and Motlop are walk-up starters in the Power's best 22. Barry is also in the mix after impressing during the pre-season. The 23-year-old played two seasons with Melbourne before taking time away from the game. McKenzie, Trengove and Thomas will likely start the season in the SANFL.
Steven Motlop will give the Power plenty of trademark dash. Picture: AFL Photos
It's crunch time for…
Jasper Pittard was in and out of the Power's side last year. He struggled with his form and spent a bit of time in the SANFL. A hamstring injury that has ruled him out of round one isn't ideal, especially with Riley Bonner pushing his case to be a regular in the side. Pittard last year signed a three-year extension until the end of 2020, but rival clubs may start making enquires at the end of the season if he can't hold down a spot. Fellow defenders Jack Hombsch and Matthew Broadbent will also have to battle to get themselves back in the side.
Pressure rating on the coach
Bubbling under the surface. Ken Hinkley is locked in to 2021 so his job is not in jeopardy, but anything less than a top-eight finish would be disastrous given their recruiting spree.
The 2017 habit the Power must kick…
Failing to take their game to another level when they face the best sides in the competition. Last year, the Power were smashing the lower teams, but couldn't compete against the premiership contenders.
The Power will have a good year if…
Rockliff, Watts and Motlop fire and help the Power become more efficient with their forward 50 conversion.
They’re in trouble if …
Their ball movement slows down and they turn the ball over too often with basic skill errors.
Pass mark
Must win at least one finals game, given the recruitment of so many experienced players.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 7th.
Player Ratings star
Robbie Gray, eighth. The three-time Power best and fairest moved down a few spots in the player ratings last year as he spent less time in the midfield and became a permanent small forward. However, he's just as dangerous and earned All-Australian honours in 2017.
