ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Ollie Wines ,Scott Lycett and Tom Jonas of Port Adelaide lead their team onto the ground during the round 11 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on August 08, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
In 2019 the Power were stuck in the unforgiving cycle of mediocrity, and Ken Hinkley had no contract past the 2020 season, meaning he had 12 months to impress the board.
Fast forward to 2020, the Power had jettisoned up the ladder, claiming the minor premiership and coming painfully close to a spot in the big dance.
So after a season of dizzying heights, where have the club gone right and where do they need to improve to go one better in 2021?
Round 11 vs Richmond: This clash was the yardstick for whether the Power were the real deal, or just pretenders as they faced off against the reigning premiers.
What followed was arguably the best game of the home and away season, with Port coming up trumps after a spirited performance from their stars got them across the line by 21 points.
The midfield brigade put on an absolute clinic, whilst Robbie Gray and young gun Zak Butters impressed up forward.
Round 12 vs Geelong: Just when it seemed as if doubts over Port's pedigree were extinguished, the very next week they are taught a footballing lesson.
The Power were outplayed all over the ground by Geelong to cop a 10-goal belting off the back of a Tom Hawkins' six-goal haul.
Ken Hinkley's boys only managed four goals for the whole match, and big man Charlie Dixon played his worst game for the season.
Travis Boak: Although he was upset in the club's best-and-fairest by Darcy Byrne-Jones, the veteran had a fantastic year for his side. The 32-year-old averaged 22.9 disposals per match, 5.1 clearances per match and picked himself up an All-Australian blazer to cap off a successful year for both him and his side.
Zak Butters: No surprises here, with the youngster having an inspired season up forward. Loves the physical side of the game and will undoubtedly be a star of the future should he keep on his upwards trajectory. Averaged 14.6 disposals, 3.2 marks and finished with 11 goals and an All-Australian nomination.
Ryan Burton: The ex-Hawk was primed to have a decent year for the club, but consistent injuries only saw him make eight appearances for Ken Hinkley's team. He is only 23 and has plenty of time to get his body right, but there is no escaping the fact that 2020 was disappointing for the defender.
In
Aliir Aliir (Sydney)
Orazio Fantasia (Essendon)
Pick 73 (Essendon)
Out
Future second round (Sydney)
Pick 29 (Essendon)
Future third round (Essendon)
2021 is shaping up to be arguably the most important season for the club in the last decade, as they have a side that has the potential to go the distance.
The additions of Fantasia and Aliir will give the side more depth to play with, and with their youngsters having another year of experience under their belt, the side should, by all means, be primed for a shot at a flag.
A top-four finish is the minimum for Port Adelaide - anything below that would be a disappointment. The competition will be as tough as it will ever get, so the side will have to pull out something special to topple the Richmond dynasty amongst the other contenders.