Star midfielder Zak Butters has garnered more attention than any other out-of-contract player this season as he weighs up where his future lies.
But his slated departure has somewhat concealed the Power's underbelly of players unsigned beyond this year.
Josh Carr's men have 22 players without contracts for 2027 in their squad, four more than the next most in the competition, highlighting that the list is in a state of flux.
Having such a vast number out of contract highlights just how impressive the Power have been to remain as competitive as they have this year - but the struggles of Port Adelaide's SANFL side raise some questions over the strength of some of their fringe AFL squad members.
We've cast our eye over each player and given a verdict on how Port Adelaide should proceed with them.
Port Adelaide's out-of-contract 22
Alex Van Wyk - keep
Yet to see any AFL action since being selected in the 2025 Mid-Season Draft, Van Wyk has been an emergency and provides important ruck cover as a mature-age option proven at the level below.
Balyn O'Brien - wait
The ruthless medium defender has been brought into the team for the last three games, giving the Power hierarchy a look at what he is capable of at the top level. He's likely to get another couple of games, after which time a decision can be made.
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher - delist
Into his third year at the club, Zerk-Thatcher has played four late season games this year as injury cover, and while he could be worth persisting with as a worthwhile depth option, the Power probably need more from a player in his age profile.
Darcy Byrne-Jones - keep
Few players are as synonymous with this generation of the Power as Byrne-Jones. With 241 games under his belt, his experience will be important for a transitioning list and he has had a great year back in his native defensive post.
Ewan Mackinlay - keep
A high half forward selected in last year's Mid-Season Draft, Mackinlay has shown promise in his 14 games this year.
Harrison Ramm - keep
Probably gets another year as a developing key defender - but it was concerning Port Adelaide dropped him the same week it lost Esava Ratugolea to injury and were therefore threadbare for tall backs. Returned to the side against GWS on the weekend.
Tom Anastasopoulos - delist
Finally made his AFL debut midway through this season but was dropped after just two games. It's hard to see the speedster being extended.
Jackson Mead - delist
Has 73 games under his belt now, so Port Adelaide probably need more out of him than what he is giving. Has played nine games on the edge of selection this year, but was dropped after Round 19, which does not bode well.
Jacob Moss - delist
The former basketballer is a key defender who was always going to take some time to develop and could stay on the Category B rookie list but may be a victim of the list turnover.
Jordon Sweet - keep
The 206cm ruck has been a relative mainstay in the line-up since arriving at Alberton ahead of 2024 and although many of his ruck counterparts around the league have stronger reputations, he is a more than solid contributor.
Josh Lai - keep
Has been a revelation this season and particularly in the last month, with his intercepting and line breaking out of the back half catching the eye in a team with few real difference-makers. Should be a priority.
Mani Liddy - delist
A lineball call, Liddy is a hard player to get a read on given he has been injured for a large part of this year, managing just four SANFL games. Played eight times last year after being selected in the Mid-Season Draft but could be vulnerable as the Power look to get fresh faces in.
Lachie Jones - keep
It has been a career-best season for the aggressive defender, who plays above his size and brings physicality. Deserves to be rewarded, with the Power having invested in him for some time.
Mitch Zadow - keep
The pre-season pickup probably gets another year, showing his capability at AFL level by kicking 3.3 against premiership favourites Fremantle. While his output has otherwise been limited in six games - the Power don't have a bevy of small forwards and he certainly has something.
Ollie Wines - keep
Port Adelaide won't rush a contract decision on the Brownlow Medalist, but keeping him for one more season seems the most appropriate course of action given his experience.
Ollie Lord - trade
His four-goal qualifying final against Brisbane in 2023 seemed to be a breakthrough for Lord and proved he belonged at the level, but in between an ACL injury, he has kicked just 18 majors in 22 games since. Perhaps a fresh start is a mutually beneficial outcome.
Will Lorenz - keep
Should get another year, having averaged 27 disposals in 13 SANFL games this year and came into the AFL side for his second game of the year on the weekend and had 23 disposals. At a minimum, he's a more than handy backup with his reasonably clean skills.
Xavier Bamert - keep
The mid-season pickup has played eight games since being picked up and shown promise in the forward line. Was drafted for his power, which he has shown spasmodically already early in his career, so is worth persisting with.
Xavier Walsh - delist
It's hard being a key forward in the Power's SANFL side so 21 goals in 13 games this year is a respectable return and represents a step forward but having not featured at AFL level in three seasons on the list, he might be on the chopping block.
Zak Butters - maximise trade
Clearly the ideal scenario is for Port Adelaide to hold on to one of the competition's premium midfielders, but with Butters seemingly certain to move home, getting compensation to allow them to match bids and potentially still have a presence across the next two drafts beyond tied talent must be the priority.
