Best 22 – Round 1

B: Tom Jonas, Tom Clurey, Darcy Byrne-Jones
HB: Hamish Hartlett, Jack Hombsch, Matthew Broadbent
C: Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Jared Polec
HF: Chad Wingard, Brett Eddy, Justin Westhoff
F: Aaron Young, Charlie Dixon, Sam Gray
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Ollie Wines, Robbie Gray
I/C: Jackson Trengove, Sam Powell-Pepper, Karl Amon, Dan Houston

Injury list

Port Adelaide almost has a full list to choose from. The exception is defender Jasper Pittard, who is set to return from a hamstring injury for the round two clash with Fremantle. Experienced forwards Angus Monfries (shoulder) and Matt White (calf) will build fitness in the SANFL before being considered. Defender Matthew Broadbent is expected to overcome a hamstring injury in time to face the Swans.

The big questions

Will Ken Hinkley survive the year?
The Power coach is under the pump after missing the finals for the past two seasons. Hinkley is contracted until the end of 2018, but comments from chairman David Koch about the club needing to reach the top eight has turned up the heat.

Can Charlie Dixon be the Power's focal point in attack?
Dixon has struggled since arriving at the Power from Gold Coast on a five-year deal at the end of 2015. He needs to boot 50-60 goals and overcome ankle issues to lead the Power's forward line.

How does the Power's game style stack up in 2017?
Skill errors let the Power down last year as they attempted to attack at all costs. They have spent the pre-season fine-tuning their game, but the key is whether the changes they have made will stack up when premiership points are up for grabs.

Look for…

Paddy Ryder to make an immediate impact in the ruck. The Power didn't have a genuine tap ruckman last year while Ryder was on the sidelines. His athleticism has looked good during the JLT Community Series as has his work resting in the forward line.

Who they play

The Power couldn't have asked for a tougher start, away from home against grand finalists Sydney at the SCG. The first Showdown of the year with cross-town rivals Adelaide is in round three, while they also face Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Gold Coast and West Coast twice. Their first match with the Suns is the historic game in China in round eight.

Fantasy cash cow

Sam Powell-Pepper ($216,000) appears certain to be in the Power side for the majority of the season. The 19-year-old has made a strong fist of senior football in the JLT Community Series with his physicality and ability to win the hard ball. Did give away eight free kicks in their last game against Hawthorn while also having 23 possessions, but his value is sure to rise. Forward Brett Eddy and defender Dan Houston (both $150,000) have both been upgraded from the rookie list and will be good buys.

Sudden impact

The hype around draftee Sam Powell-Pepper hit ridiculous levels with his don't argue on Hawthorn triple-premiership player Shaun Burgoyne in the JLT Community Series. Powell-Pepper is exactly the type of player the Power love – aggressive and doesn't shirk the contest. Will form a great one-two punch with Ollie Wines.

It's crunch time for …

Hamish Hartlett to recapture his best form having moved to the half-back flank. Hartlett struggled to make an impact last year in the midfield and was put on the trade table. But after flying to Melbourne for talks with Essendon and Richmond, he decided to stay with the Power, where he is contracted until 2021.

Pressure rating on the coach

"At boiling point." Early wins are a must for coach Ken Hinkley to keep the wolves at bay, with the Power desperate to return to the finals for the first time since 2014.

The Power will have a good year if …

Charlie Dixon stays injury free and boots more than 50 goals.

They’re in trouble if …

Those players who have changed roles fail to fire. So much relies on Hamish Hartlett's move to half-back, Jackson Trengove's impact in the forward line and Chad Wingard through the midfield.

Pass mark

In the words of chairman David Koch, it's finals or bust for the Power. Anything less than reaching the top eight will be deemed a failure unless there is a massive injury toll.

AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish

15th. There are too many question marks over how players will perform in new roles to have too much confidence in the Power.

Player Ratings star

Robbie Gray, third. An elite midfielder, Gray is especially dangerous when he pushes forward and hits the scoreboard. Has been eased through the pre-season and is crucial to the Power moving the ball quickly and efficiently through the middle of the ground.

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