FIND one word - or even just one theme - to describe Port Adelaide's 2023 AFL season?

Unfulfilled. Does that sum it up?

All the promise built by the 13-week winning streak did not deliver a meaningful result in September when Port Adelaide was bundled out in consecutive finals.

"We did a lot right in 2023," notes club chief executive Matthew Richardson. 

The 17 wins across 23 home-and-away games - in the longest qualifying series in AFL history - puts Port Adelaide second behind Brisbane for the most wins in the national league since 2020 (58 compared with Brisbane's 61). This suggests there is no worrying sign of decay to the critical football program at Alberton.

But not much went right from round 17 when the exhilarating ride with a 13-game winning streak hit turbulence ...

"Ultimately," adds Richardson, "we couldn't get it done when it counted most. We own that.

"There are no excuses."

But there are many questions that linger from an unfulfilled season of promise.

The relevant questions are on the state and depth of the player list (a constant test of every AFL club); the merit of the gameplan when Port Adelaide struggled to maintain forward-half dominance during the latter stages of the season; the need to match the promise built from March to August with results in September.

"We’ve got to get better," says senior coach Ken Hinkley.

"We can’t refute that … we definitely have to get better if we’re going to win in September.

"We had a great run of 13 wins and we were playing some really strong footy, but the last seven or eight weeks, for a number of reasons, we weren’t near that form and it got showed up in finals."

BY THE NUMBERS 

WINS: 17

LOSSES: 8

RANKING: Fifth (after equal second at end of home-and-away series).

SCORING: Averaged 92 points (up 10 points on 2022).

DEFENDING: Averaged 85 points (up 11 points on 2022).

Scored 100 points or more eight times; conceded 100 points or more five times.

STATISTICS: Port Adelaide ranked (out of 18) 11th for contested possessions (135.2 average); third for inside-50s (56.6); fifth for clearances (38.3 average); fifth on goals scored (13 on average); last on disposals (336 average); sixth on contested marks (10.8 average); 11th for tackling (60.7 a game) and first for free-kicks against (21 a game). These numbers reinforce there is room for improvement.

BEST RESULT

ROUND 4 v Sydney at the SCG.

AFTER opening with a drought-breaking win against Brisbane at Adelaide Oval and falling behind the count with a 1-2 win-loss record, the test against Sydney at the SCG in the fourth week of the home-and-away season became defining of Port Adelaide.

The two-point win - with two massive comebacks during an intense contest - was saved after the siren by key defender Aliir Aliir's perfectly timed jump and spoil on the goal line after Ollie Florent launched his set shot from outside 50.

The win marked the start of the 13-game winning streak.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT

ROUND 16 v Essendon at the MCG.

IT is rightfully one of three contenders for AFL goal of the year - even if team-mate Connor Rozee might feel short changed after his epic goal at Adelaide Oval against Gold Coast.

This unforgettable goal from Dan Houston - that put Port Adelaide four points ahead of Essendon - inspired predictable headlines of "Houston, we don't have a problem!"

Dan Houston's kick after the siren from outside 50 at the MCG is a classic. 

"I was like, if I was going to miss, at least I'd have a crack," Houston said of his match-winning kick that cleared a crowded goal-line. "I put my boot through it ... I think the wet ball helped it sail through."

WORST RESULT

LOSING both Showdowns.

Not since 2017 has Port Adelaide lost both derbies in the same season.

The first - while donning the club's traditional black-and-white bars - was lost in the last quarter when Port Adelaide conceded five goals across 14 minutes to fall from a four-point lead to a 26-point deficit.

The second was broken during the second term to leave Port Adelaide facing a 29-point deficit at half-time.

ACHIEVERS 

ALL-AUSTRALIANS: Zak Butters, Dan Houston, Connor Rozee.

For the first time since 2020 (when Port Adelaide was minor premier), three players earned and were rewarded with All-Australian selection. For Butters and Houston, the honour marked their first call to the AFL team of the year; Rozee was selected for the second time and second consecutive season.

LEADING GOALKICKER: Jeremy Finlayson (38.38 in 22 matches).

MOST DISPOSALS PER GAME: Zak Butters (27.48 average).

MOST CONTESTED POSSESSION PER GAME: Zak Butters (10.32).

MOST MARKS PER GAME: Mitch Georgiades (six) followed by Dan Houston (5.72).

MOST TACKLES PER GAME: Willem Drew (6.64).

MOST CONTESTED MARKS PER GAME: Willem Drew (6.64).

MOST INSIDE-50s PER GAME: Connor Rozee (5.88).

DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY (across more than 10 games): Trent McKenzie (84.04 per cent).

NEW FACES

TASKED with the imposing need to replace game-winning forward Robbie Gray, Port Adelaide gained with its strategic recruiting of West Coast premiership goalsneak Willie Rioli. His 19 games delivered 31 goals (31.17 to be precise).

Part of this list-management strategy included recruiting Francis Evans from Geelong. His 10 goals in 10 games were garnered with a strong, combative approach to the contests - a theme that draws much applause.

Also from Geelong, via Western Australia, Essendon’s VFL set-up and the mid-season rookie draft, came energetic midfielder Quinton Narkle. He played three AFL games this season with encouraging signs that will develop into more national league appearances with a full pre-season at Alberton.

Dante Visentini joined the ranks of players to represent Port Adelaide in AFL action this season - albeit with an unexpected debut when experienced ruckman Scott Lycett felt uneasy with a knee during the warm-up for the round 16 clash with Essendon. The No.56 pick in the 2021 national draft played three AFL games, showing the benefit of each match in subsequent assignments at either SANFL or AFL level.

Ollie Lord finally emerged from his apprenticeship in the SANFL - where he worked as a key position player on each side of the centre line - to give a preview of who ultimately takes over from Charlie Dixon as a key forward. 

The No.49 call in the 2020 national draft completed the season with 13 AFL games and 15 goals - the four against Brisbane in the qualifying final at the Gabba being a stand-out performance.

No player arrived at Alberton during the pre-season with greater scrutiny, attention and jeers from opposition supporters than No.1 draftee (2022 at North Melbourne), Jason Horne-Francis. After corrective surgery to his legs during the summer, the bullish midfielder became a stunning cog for 24 games - and a threat when placed in attack (16 goals, four times his output in 2022).

HEALTH CHECK 

EACH zone was significantly dented by injury this season - many with impact or collision injuries that (true to the challenge of a long, 23-game qualifying series in the minor round) tested the depth and quality of an AFL list.

In attack, Port Adelaide was denied promising young forward Mitch Georgaides after he suffered a serious, season-ending knee injury during a SANFL game in April; key forward Charlie Dixon - a major piece in the forward structure - played just 14 games this season with a six-week block lost to a foot injury; specialist small forward Orazio Fantasia remained tormented by soft-tissue injuries holding him to just three AFL matches before finishing the season with a solid run in the SANFL; and Todd Marshall was notably hindered by a hip issue late in the season.

In defence, where Port Adelaide was again challenged by the long-running question on tall defenders, the injury curse struck down Tom Clurey (back - just one game this season); forced Trent McKenzie to find quick healing powers while he took major hits, including a knee injury; and left captain Tom Jonas to face the reality that his body has given all it has to offer.

In ruck, the experienced Scott Lycett's return from shoulder surgery - after being cut down to four games in 2022 - was not ideal as he suffered knee injuries that restricted him to 14 matches.

Opportunity was not lost by those challenged to work to new roles, in particular Miles Bergman who impressed when cast as a "tall defender" in a match-up with Geelong power forward Jeremy Cameron.

The heavy count of forced changes at selection from round 17 did underline critical needs for list management.

"We have an outstanding (list-management team led by Jason Cripps) who will continue their focus on improving our playing talent," says club chief executive Matthew Richardson.

The needs - such as key lockdown defenders - are obvious. Bolstering defences - by any study of the trade plays unfolding already - is a need that is challenging many AFL clubs. 

LIST MANAGEMENT 

AS demanded by the AFL regulations, there is enforced change - along with the planned adjustments - to a player list.

So far, Port Adelaide has:

DELISTED: Midfielder-defender Riley Bonner, North Melbourne recruit Trent Dumont, West Australian mid-season draftee Brynn Teakle and academy graduate Nathan Barkla.

FAREWELLED: Captain and defender Tom Jonas.

Port Adelaide's trade cards already have commitments from three players:

DEFENDERS Esava Ratugolea (Geelong, originally drafted at No.43 in 2016) and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Essendon, originally drafted at No.66 in 2017).

RUCKMAN Jordon Sweet (Western Bulldogs, originally drafted as a rookie in 2018).

The trade period opens on Monday, October 9.

At the start of the 2023 season, Port Adelaide's list profile was reflecting the vision for continued growth - average age was 24.3 years (nine teams had more years to their list profile); average games was 68 (exactly mid-table in the 18-team league).

By the start of next season - all subject to gains in the trade period - Port Adelaide will again have a list profile that will emphasise growth from the group best represented by midfielder Connor Rozee (aged 24 next year, starting his sixth season in the AFL and now past his 100-game milestone).

SENIOR COACH

KEN HINKLEY endured the external speculation on his future at Port Adelaide to sign in late August a two-year contract extension that will extend his tenure to a 12th season in 2024.

His win-loss count in his 11 seasons remains in the top echelon - 60.59 per cent in home-and-away contests with a 143-93 win-loss count in 236 matches. In finals it is 41.67 (5-7) while giving Port Adelaide three top-four finishes during the past four seasons.

Hinkley insists he will not be distracted - nor lose focus - while the scrutiny turns to why Port Adelaide cannot match its home-and-away form in finals (despite wins against the highly rated Geelong in two qualifying finals in 2020 and 2021).

"The simple answer: 'No, I am not (sidetracked by the continued external questions on his work)'," Hinkley says.

"I have got a great support crew that help me coach this football club and everyone is involved in the coaching of the football team. And then we've got a great group of players who are all trying to get to, ultimately, what we're all trying to get towards.

"This is a new group, we have worked through a lot of players.

"I'm not worried about what that scrutiny sounds and looks like.

"I get that it will come, I can't avoid that. I will handle that though. It's okay."

World sport has notable examples of long-standing coaches  - such as Claudio Ranieri in world football and Andy Reid in NFL football - who ultimately achieved championships by standing true to their beliefs in building strong foundations on which they built sound football programs.

CAPTAIN 

TOM JONAS leaves Port Adelaide - as a player - having risen from the uncertainty of the rookie list (pick No. 16, 2011) to be an assured leader as club captain from 2019 (originally as joint skipper with Ollie Wines).

Very few players get to write the perfect script to end their careers.

Jonas played his last AFL match (of 216) in the home-and-away closer against Richmond at Adelaide Oval. He marked his game as "solid" - the perfect last image of an uncompromising defender who gave all his spirit and focus to the contest. 

Harsh on himself with self-deprecating remarks about his talents, Jonas was inspiring for his commitment to his team and his team-mates. His willingness to work harder and longer than others set a standard at Alberton that will be his meaningful legacy.

Jonas led Port Adelaide for 94 senior matches. He grew from a hard-edged, critical leader to understand his team-mates as more than fellow combatants chasing an AFL premiership. In leading by example, Jonas created a stronger team and clubhouse around him - one that has encouraged and allowed a younger generation of players to set a meaningful agenda filled with ambition at Alberton.

The true marker of Jonas as the selfless captain was highlighted this season while he stepped back to the SANFL ranks without ever becoming an off-field distraction to his team. His attitude reinforced an AFL captain today is very much about his leadership from Monday to Friday - not just from the moment the jumper is worn on match day.

CLUB CHAMPION 

ZAK BUTTERS has a crowded resume of personal success in 2023 - All-Australian for the first time; coaches' choice as the league's champion player; and voted by his peers as the most courageous player in their ranks.

And there is a long list of media awards too - along with high expectations for a leaderboard finish at the Brownlow Medal on Monday.

So the 23-year-old midfielder is the red-hot favourite for the John Cahill Medal as the Port Adelaide club champion when the votes are counted on Monday, October 9.

It is the appropriate reward for an exemplary season in which the Port Adelaide midfield rotations centred on Butters, Connor Rozee and North Melbourne recruit Jason Horne-Francis, a trio that should prove a powerful combination for the next decade.

The John Cahill Medal voting will highlight the consistency and firm progress of defenders Dan Houston and Miles Bergman, half-forward Sam Powell-Pepper and the advancements made by Dylan Williams while being cast as a defender.

This highlights how Port Adelaide's player list still has so much growth to unfold.

OFF FIELD

A decade after starting the new dawn, the new era with a return to Adelaide Oval and independence of the licence, Port Adelaide is a stronger football club off the field.

Club membership (as confirmed by the AFL audit) is at a record level - 64,031 (up nine per cent on 2022).

Attendances at home games at Adelaide Oval - by average with 12 matches this season - was at 37,984, the highest since 2018 (albeit with restrictions during the COVID seasons).

The club's social base at Alberton Oval is revived with the Precinct and the museum. The critical redevelopment and extension of the football facility continues. The advancement of the oval as a playing venue includes the four new light towers, allowing Alberton Oval to host night matches (for AFLW and SANFL) while meeting the demands of television broadcasters. The prospect on pre-season games at night - avoiding the heat of brutal summers - is enhanced.

The commitment to maintaining and advancing Alberton Oval as the traditional (and practical) home of the Port Adelaide Football Club is stronger than ever - and now a key part of reinforcing the club's long-term vision for sustainability and growth.

A decade after having its merit to a national competition questioned - and doubts raised on the club's future amid the challenges of a collapsed financial model and business plan - Port Adelaide is one of the soundest sporting clubs in Australia.

CHASING GREATNESS

TWO out of three ain't bad, sang Meat Loaf.

Port Adelaide's "Chasing Greatness" manifesto launched three years ago called for three flags to be won across a five-year period. Many will note that this cannot be achieved now - two years remain on this timeline and, so far, there is no new trophy on display at Alberton.

But the aspirational goal to be the best team in the AFL and best club in Australian sport does not disappear. The greatest challenge in one of the toughest competitions in world sport is to evolve to the demands of a league with heavy control levers such as salary caps, drafts, taxed budgets on football department spending and a fixture that draws telling analysis of "hard" and "soft" draws.

Across the decades, as noted from the 1950s when the "outsider" Fos Williams created a "Golden Era" at Alberton, Port Adelaide has answered the challenge of adapting and evolving to deal with the exacting tests of every new period in Australian football.

That challenge is as testing as ever today.

Chasing greatness is not easy - and aspiring to greatness should be seen for being true to Port Adelaide: Ambitous and undaunted.