THE past 15 years have delivered plenty of tough times for Port Adelaide and Brisbane since the 2004 Grand Final, but the wheel is finally starting to turn for both clubs.

MATCH PREVIEW Power v Lions

Sunday afternoon's encounter at Adelaide Oval – in the final match of round 17 – promises to be a beauty featuring two of the most exciting sides in the competition.

But it's been a bumpy road for the Power and Lions since they squared off, literally, at the MCG in the 2004 decider.

The Lions were aiming to continue their golden era with a fourth straight premiership, while the Power had a maiden AFL title in their sights, to add to Port Adelaide's rich history of state-league flags.

After a brawl broke out between Alastair Lynch and Darryl Wakelin, it was the Power that prevailed to the tune of 40 points, leading to wild celebrations.

Coach Mark Williams famously raised his hands to his throat as the Power shook off their chokers tag.

Mark Williams' 2004 Power side delivered on the biggest stage. Picture: AFL Photos

The Power couldn't go back-to-back – losing to cross-town rivals Adelaide in a semi-final in 2005 – but returned to the game's biggest stage in 2007, only to be embarrassed by Geelong by the tune of 119 points.

It got worse from there, the Power missing the finals for the next three years and parting ways with Williams midway through 2010.

Two more disappointing seasons – finishing 16th and 14th respectively – under new coach Matthew Primus and the Power was in a hole on and off the field, with tarps getting plenty of work in the empty Football Park grandstands to hide declining attendances.

Primus was dismissed after a loss to Greater Western Sydney in 2012, with Ken Hinkley appointed the following season.

Hinkley turned the Power around in his first two years in charge, making the finals both seasons and losing to Hawthorn by three points in the 2014 prelim.

But the Power only made the finals once between 2015-18 – that heartbreaking extra-time epic against West Coast in 2017 – and the pressure was on heading into this year.

Port's only finals appearance in the past four years ended in heartbreak in 2017. Picture: AFL Photos

The Power made some bold moves at the end of last season, trading out experienced players Chad Wingard, Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard, and moving up in the draft to secure Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma in the first round.

All three have been pivotal in the Power's resurgence this season.

Consistency is still the Power's biggest weakness, but the brilliant second half they displayed in last weekend's Showdown smashing of Adelaide was as good as there is in the League.

The Lions are also surging after a forgettable past 15 years.

They are on track for their first finals appearance since 2009 with a group of exciting youngsters – nine of last week's team were under the age of 23 – complemented with quality signings from other clubs such as Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron, Jarryd Lyons and Hawthorn veteran Luke Hodge.

Neale's shock decision to leave Fremantle and join the Lions at the end of last season was vindication they were on the right path.

Lachie Neale has been a revelation since crossing to Brisbane from the Dockers. Picture: AFL Photos

It wasn't so long ago the Lions couldn't retain talented youngsters – West Coast's Elliot Yeo, Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty and Polec among those who came and went.

Not anymore.

Senior coach Chris Fagan, in his third season in charge, and head of football David Noble, who joined the club from Adelaide at the end of 2016, have restored credibility to what was the laughing stock of the League.

These Lions are special, but so are the rejuvenated Power.

This could be a rivalry the football public not just enjoys on Sunday, but for the foreseeable future.

How Port Adelaide and Brisbane have fared since 2004

* before start of round 17