JASPER Pittard is confident little change is required on Port Adelaide's list to see the club bounce back next year.
The Power have endured a thoroughly underwhelming season given early expectations, but have hit form lately.
They beat Hawthorn last Friday night by 22 points, reminding the football world that the club's best was enough to trouble the League's heavyweights.
Pittard was brilliant in the win, collecting 27 possessions at almost 82 per cent efficiency.
WATCH: In the moment - Port finally prevails in 2004 Grand Final
But while the recent performances have suggested all is not lost, speculation is mounting that forward Jay Schulz could join Fremantle next year, which would open the door for Gold Coast's Charlie Dixon to re-join Ken Hinkley at Alberton.
Hinkley spent three seasons at the Suns and developed a strong rapport with the playing group.
Talk about list changes was inevitable, said Pittard, but denied it was frustrating or distracting to clubs involved.
"I've always felt we've got a really good list. We've got the personnel – I'm sure that'll change as well – but all we can worry about is the way we train come pre-season and the attitude we have," Pittard said on Wednesday.
"For teams who aren't making finals, players get assessed … you can't escape it.
"For the players whom it concerns it might be a bit frustrating, but we just go about it as best we can and get around each other.
"It's speculation, but that'll get taken care of by the appropriate people."
Pittard said the Power's attitude would be the key to bouncing back into the top eight next year.
Hinkley's first two seasons at the helm saw the side hunt opposition clubs mercilessly as it sought to regain lost respect, and Pittard urged the playing group to again think like hunters over the pre-season.
"It shouldn't matter who you're playing any week, if you come with the same mindset – ferocious at the opposition – it should take care of itself," he said.