1. Port ponder what might have been
It was a dead rubber against a Fremantle side that made 12 changes, but Port Adelaide's second-quarter spurt was evidence that the Power are still capable of being one of the most exciting teams in the competition. They kicked eight goals and kept the Dockers scoreless. Hamish Hartlett was superb across half-back with nine possessions, two inside-50s and a goal. It was the match-winning quarter and ensured the Power finished the season with six wins from their last seven games. That's just one win short of eighth spot. It's impossible not to look back at losses to the Brisbane Lions and Carlton and think what might have been. A season with so much promise has been a disappointment, and will no doubt rest heavily on their minds during the finals. They still have a number of star players and if the whispers are correct, they will bring in Charlie Dixon for Jay Schulz, who looks set to join Fremantle. It would be a surprise if Port don't bounce back into premiership contention in 2016.

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2. Give it a rest, Ross
Coming into the game it seemed impossible for Fremantle, to win but in the first quarter Ross Lyon's famed system was doing the trick. They held a three-goal lead despite a dozen changes at quarter-time before the Power kicked into gear. The Dockers got through the game without any injuries which was the sole goal. Matt Taberner came into the team and was very impressive with two goals, and he may give match committee a few headaches next week as the Dockers prepare for their opening home final.

3. Power recognise indigenous talent
Port Adelaide equalled a Fremantle record for the most indigenous players in a single team on Saturday, seven in total - Paddy Ryder, Chad Wingard, Jarman Impey, Karl Amon, Nathan Krakouer, Brendon Ah Chee and Jake Neade. Port has a rich indigenous heritage and all of these players have each had their moments this season. Wingard is a superstar and will again be named in the All Australian team. Late in the season, Ryder has shown how dynamic he can be in the ruck when he's fully fit and Ah Chee and Amon have secured their futures. The other great story is Krakouer who started his career at Port, left for the Gold Coast and has now made the most of his second chance off the Power's rookie list.

4. The jury's still out on John
What do Port Adelaide do with John Butcher? The top-10 pick labelled "The Future" when he burst onto the scene in 2011 has never consolidated his spot in the side. His career looked over three weeks ago but then he was given another chance when Jackson Trengove went down injured. In this time, Butcher's stats haven't been anything special but he has been making an impact. On Saturday afternoon we saw all the cuts of Butcher. His outstanding marking skills, his defensive pressure and his enigmatic goal kicking (he missed two shots directly in front from 20 metres out, but also kicked a goal from the boundary). On talent and effort Butcher deserves another chance. It seems unfathomable that in his six years at the club his kicking has never really improved, but if Port don't re-sign him or put him on the rookie list, there must be a club out there that would persevere with the 24-year-old. Time is still on his side and if a club can fix his kicking, they have a game-changer in their hands.

5. Freo primed for first flag
While Fremantle's finish to the minor rounds was forgettable, its season was one to remember. 17 wins and its first minor premiership off the back of a dominant start to the season. There looks to be no better chance for the Dockers to win their inaugural AFL premiership. They will have the home ground advantage in week one, their star players have all been rested and there is not a better drilled defensive team in the league. It is likely Ross Lyon's men will face the Sydney Swans next week. A win next week will ensure Fremantle a week off before a home preliminary final. Last time they had one of those, they played in the 2013 Grand Final.