1. Injuries destroyed their season
BLAMING a poor season on injuries is always a cop out, but there's no doubt they played a huge part in the Power's downfall in 2012. Robbie Gray's season-ending knee injury in round four was the start, Andrew Moore's hammy in round 22 was the finish and in between there were injuries to the entire leadership group, Jasper Pittard's run-in with Chad Wingard in Darwin, Aaron Young's ankle, John Butcher's hip and Jay Schulz's eye, ribs and internal organs.

2. There are the makings of a midfield
A major positive to have come out of season 2012 was the development of Matthew Broadbent, Andrew Moore and Aaron Young. The trio made significant improvement over the season, with Broadbent in particular taking his game to a new level. Moore's hardness around the ball was exactly what the Power needed and Young's impressive displays late in the year excited everyone. With Hartlett, Boak and Brad Ebert, it's an engine room that has plenty to give.

3. Wingard will gun it
Port's top pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft played more games than any other 2011 top-10 draftee and averaged almost 13 disposals a game. His 27-possession, one-goal performance in round 22 earned him a Rising Star Nomination and tantalised fans with what would be in store for 2013 and beyond. Wingard would have matured a great deal this year and with the bulk of Port's talent back on the field next year, he'll rise to another level. 

4. Final-quarter chokes hurt
You knew it was going to be a long season for Power fans when by the end of round five the three-quarter time margin in their four losses was less than 20 points. Against the Swans in round three and the Crows in round five, Port even led at the last change, but was still unable to muster a final-term effort good enough for victory. They choked and they paid.

5. Don't cry for Matty P
The press conference at which Matthew Primus officially departed the club was bizarre for a number of reasons. Firstly, club president Brett Duncanson spoke before the outgoing coach to announce his own departure at season's end. He then broke down into tears and, unable to go on, CEO Keith Thomas had to step in and take the reins. Everyone other than the media then had to clear out so that Primus could front the cameras for one last time.

6. There's life in the old dog yet
Despite suggestions in 2011 that veteran Kane Cornes was done, the 29-year-old proved otherwise this year and is set to win a podium place in Friday's best and fairest. Cornes managed more than 25 touches a game in 2012, more than any other Power player. While most of his disposals were uncontested, the premiership player showed he still had a place in the team in the future.

7. Jay Schulz is a warrior
A badly scratched eyeball, bruised ribs and serious internal injuries that resulted in time spent in intensive care didn't stop Jay Schulz returning to the side and throwing his body into contests. A monster contested mark against the Brisbane Lions in which he was crunched by Joel Patfull in round 22 was received with bewilderment by spectators, who were unsure whether to applaud or shake their heads in disbelief.

8. Fans will be singing "when we're winning"
Port's supporters must have spent last summer listening to Chambawamba's Tubthumping because the club's crowd figures suggested fans would only sing when they win. Attendances dropped dramatically as the season wore on, to the point where the club posted a new record low crowd at AAMI Stadium in round 21 of 13,683, only to back it up the next week with 13,953. Hopefully the Power achieve bigger crowds as the new on-field regime sweeps through the club.

9. The boys need to learn to kick
Inconsistency and injuries certainly played their part in ruining the Power's season, but a poor level of skill was the main culprit. Although competing hard for large portions of the game, constant turnovers and skill errors ensured they had no chance. Hard work is obviously vital at the elite level, but a side can't win if they can't hit targets. In 2012 the Power showed the football world exactly what they needed to work on over the summer.

10. Change is needed and will be delivered

With Primus' departure and the imminent retirement of president Duncanson, some tough calls are going to be made at Alberton. CEO Thomas said a huge review had been taking place all season and several important figures are likely to be moved on as a result. The playing list is also set to change dramatically, with the club on the record as saying it wants to bring in new talent through trades and free agency.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs