After two successive seasons of preliminary final appearances, season 2022 didn't go according to plan for Port Adelaide. Marred by an 0-5 start, the Power were left to play catchup, and eventually their finals hopes diminished at the hands of Richmond in Round 21.

Despite not exceeding lofty expectations, there was a definitive promise with young stars making the next leap, including Connor Rozee who went on to make his maiden All-Australian appearance, Sam Powell-Pepper in his hybrid role as a forward/midfielder, and Todd Marshall coming of age as a young key forward.

And of course, the usual A-grade superstars in Travis Boak and Ollie Wines giving it their all week in and week out.

With the pressure cooker firmly on coach Ken Hinkley as he enters his 11th season in charge, the Power hope to avoid last season's shaky start to get on the right note this Saturday against premiership contenders Brisbane at Adelaide Oval.

Here are five burning questions surrounding Port Adelaide's hopes in 2023.

4. Can Xavier Duursma recapture his flamboyant spark?

For Xavier Duursma, the last two seasons have been an up-and-down roller coaster.

Duursma's 2021 was hampered by a lateral ligament injury to his knee against Richmond in Round 4, causing him to miss three and a half months of footy. Returning at the back end of the season, the talented 186cm midfielder put together solid outings, including a 24-disposal game in the qualifying final victory over Geelong.

Last season though proved to be one of the most difficult yet in his four seasons. The 22-year-old couldn't generate consistency as form and injuries restricted him to only 11 appearances in the teal, black, and white.

However, after reclaiming his place in the final month of the season, the effervescent celebrator put together even performances, including a 20-disposal, two-goal display in the dominating Showdown win over cross-town rivals Adelaide.

This off-season was one of Duursma's best yet, having strung together an excellent body of work as he looks to cement a place on the wing with Karl Amon's departure to Hawthorn.