That's the viewpoint of Power chief executive Keith Thomas, who feels winning games in hostile territory is the next big step for his club.

 

Port has been the standout side of 2014, sitting two wins clear atop the AFL ladder with a stellar 10-1 record.

 

But the South Australians are still a clear underdog heading into the clash with a Swans side that has won seven straight games and enjoys outright premiership favouritism.

 

Port has handled the challenges of Hawthorn, Fremantle and Geelong at its revamped Adelaide Oval home this year, but the impression is clear from Thomas that Saturday's test is another step up.

 

"It's a huge one," Thomas told AFL.com.au.

 

"Sydney on the SCG, and Sydney in the form they're in right now, is an awesome challenge for this young group.

 

"For me, to be a great side and a side capable of winning at the highest level, you have to learn how to come into hostile territory, play on the hardest grounds against the best teams, and win.

 

"Now whether we're up to that, I don't know at this stage.

 

"But as a group, with an average age of 23, with a lot of footy left ahead of them, it's a great experience and they're going to enjoy it I'm sure.

 

"We respect Sydney, we know they're going to be very, very hard to beat, but we relish that challenge."

 

Anyone keen for a glimpse of just how far Port has come off the field in recent years need only poke their head into the club's function in Sydney on the eve of the SCG contest.

 

More than 300 people packed into a ballroom at the immense Ivy precinct in the heart of the CBD on Friday for a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the Power's 2004 premiership victory over the Brisbane Lions.

 

South Australian premier Jay Weatherill was among the guests, along with a host of ex-South Australian businessmen based in Sydney who are part of an advisory board trying to push the club's brand.

 

A club that was on its knees and stuck near the foot of the ladder as recently as three years ago is making great strides and has even greater ambitions.

 

"Port Adelaide in Sydney is not what you'd naturally think of," Thomas said.

 

"We've got an eastern advisory board working with us and we just feel this is all part of the strategy of broadening the appeal of Port Adelaide.

 

"First and foremost we need to be a great club on-field. We need to play well.

 

"Then you need to be able to create a program that delivers sustained success, year in year out always at the top, which is something Sydney have been able to do very well.

 

"We aspire to be that.

 

"We feel as if we can grow our presence in Sydney. We'd love to play a game in Hong Kong.

 

"But we feel as if Port Adelaide needs to be, and has the potential to be, a truly national brand.

 

"We think that's highly possible."

 

One need only look at Port's ability to retain its young list to see the on-field talent has bought into the ideals spruiked by Thomas, chairman David Koch and head coach Ken Hinkley.

 

"We've got 19 Victorians in our young squad," Thomas said.

 

"Almost to a man they've re-committed.

 

"That's probably the great untold story – through the crisis, the ability to keep the players together.

 

"We hope we're building a culture and an environment people want to stay in and come to."

 

Twitter: @AFL_JD