In a nutshell
Mediocre. The Power aren't great, but they're not terrible. They're in the dreaded middle tier where it's extremely difficult to improve through the draft, while also not having the class to challenge for the top four.

What we said in the pre-season 
The team at AFL.com.au were pretty much spot on, with the Power replicating their inconsistent form of a year ago. Robbie Gray lived up to his billing as one of the premier players in the competition with another outstanding season. Charlie Dixon showed glimpses of being the recruit of the year, but didn't do it often enough to warrant that tag. 

What worked
Jackson Trengove did a great job as a fill-in ruckman in the absence of Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lobbe and Dougal Howard. Robbie Gray was dangerous when pushed into attack, Jasper Pittard, Aaron Young and Jarman Impey all took steps forward in their development and Rising Star nominee Darcy Byrne-Jones looked solid in defence.

What failed
Port's game style. The ball movement was too slow and basic skill errors resulted in the Power committing the most clangers in the competition. The turnovers put undue pressure on Port's inexperienced backline. The Power's forward line also struggled to apply enough pressure to keep the ball in the forward 50.

Overall rating
E. Lots of expectation with a veteran list, but failed to deliver yet again.

The coach
Questions will be asked of Ken Hinkley's game style and ability to get the best out his players after missing the finals for the second straight year. Hinkley will enter his fifth season in charge next year and is under contract until the end of 2018 after signing a two-year extension last year.

The leaders 
It was another solid season from Travis Boak in his fourth year as captain. Boak led from the front most weeks, but didn't get much support. Vice-captain Hamish Hartlett had an injury-riddled season and only played 15 games. Ollie Wines, 21, embraced his elevation to the leadership group and appears to be a future captain of the club.

MVP
Jasper Pittard: The rebounding defender took his game to another level. Playing all 22 games, Pittard averaged 22.6 possessions per game, was in the top five for rebound 50s and was Port's only player in the preliminary 40-man All Australian squad.

Jasper Pittard has been outstanding for Port in a tough season. Picture: AFL Photos

Surprise packet
Darcy Byrne-Jones: Didn't play a game in his first two years on the list, debuted in round three and played every game from then on. Looks like an assured medium defender and deserved his Rising Star nomination.

Get excited
Aaron Young: Kicked 14 goals in his first four seasons then banged through 37 in 21 games this year. Had an outstanding season as a small forward and at 23, his best is ahead of him.

Disappointment
Jimmy Toumpas: The former No.4 draft pick played just eight games in his first season at the Power and struggled to hold his place in the best 22. Will face a huge challenge to continue his AFL career beyond next season.

Best win
Round 17: Port Adelaide 16.9 (105) def North Melbourne 10.17 (77) at Etihad Stadium.

This was the Power's only win against a top-eight team this year. It was a massive victory on the road to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

Low point
The Power's 40-point loss to Melbourne at home in round 21 ended any chance they had of reaching the finals. Their disposal was awful and couldn't match the intensity of the Demons.

The big questions
Will Patrick Ryder's return solve Port's problems in the ruck?

Does Port's list need a complete overhaul or just minor tweaks?

What's the future for Hamish Hartlett? 

Season in a song
Stuck In The Middle With You, by Stealers Wheel

What we say: Urgent renovations needed

Who's done?
Retirements: Alipate Carlile
Delistings: John Butcher, Sam Colquhoun, Kane Mitchell, Jay Schulz.
Unsigned free agents: Paul Stewart

How should they approach trade and draft period?
Everything is on the table. The Power need more speed in the midfield and another ruckman would be a huge help. The fact several of their experienced players have long-term deals will make it tough to trade.

Early call for 2017
It's finals or bust. Missing the top eight for a third straight season would be a disaster. With so many experienced players on their list, the Power clearly want to win now.