An 0-5 start to the season all but ended Port Adelaide's finals hopes for 2022, and, despite a much-improved rest of the season, Ken Hinkley's side would finish in 11th with a 10-12 record - eight points outside the top eight.

The disappointing season has left fans restless after making back-to-back preliminary final appearances in 2020 and 2021.

In terms of departures, superstar Robbie Gray have retired, as has veteran small forward Steven Motlop.

Wingman Karl Amon expressed his desire to explore the free agency market, with a move to Hawthorn on the cards, while the club also announced the delistings of former Lions pair Sam Mayes and Sam Skinner, and untried father-son rookie Taj Schofield.

The Power will be desperate for a better start to 2023 as they seek a return to September action.

We've compiled a list, in no particular order, of five targets that Port Adelaide could target this off-season to help them rebound next year.

TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE

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1. Josh Dunkley (Western Bulldogs)

Out-of-contract Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley has continued to be linked with an exit from Whitten Oval throughout 2022 and with the Bulldogs squeezing into the eight, the saga could draw on longer.

A midfielder that can win his own football and apply pressure, Dunkley also has the ability to play up forward and contribute on the scoreboard.

The premiership player averaged 25.5 disposals, 5.7 tackles and kicked 17 majors in 22 games so far this year but remains unsigned.

A dynamic player that has been linked to Port, Dunkley would add another dimension to the Power's midfield engine room and forward line.

With Robbie Gray gone, having a midfielder that can hit the scoreboard could prove very useful for Ken Hinkley's side and at just 25 years old, his best footy is still ahead of Dunkley.

The Power currently hold Pick 8 in this year's National Draft, which is likely to be used should Dunkley seek a change of scenery with the midfielder not qualifying as a free agent.

Future picks might be needed too but Dunkley's qualities would immediately improve Port's list and shoot them straight back into finals contention.

His situation will be an interesting storyline to follow as the season progresses in 2022, so keep an eye out.

AFL Rd 4 - Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Josh Dunkley of the Bulldogs in action during the 2021 AFL Round 04 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Mars Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
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