HERE'S what we learned from Sunday's 63-point victory over St Kilda...
1. We were wrong last week...
He's loving it! [pic: AFL Photos]
In last week's What We Learned, we put a line through Port Adelaide winning in a for the rest of the year.
One week later and we've been proved wrong - Sunday's was the Power's best 'runaway' performance this year.
That said, there are clearly areas that are works in progress: on-field communication between players, some decision making and game control elements lacked polish against the young Saints.
But it was a performance to suggest these players still have a part to play in 2015.
REPORT: Port reverses poor third terms with 63 point win
TALKING POINTS: Power v Saints
2. The fringe are staying on board…
Jake Neade bagged two goals against the Saints. It's the second week in a row he's scored a double [pic: AFL Photos]
Jake Neade kicked two, Sam Gray brought plenty of ground pressure, Moore won good ball, and Young got involved all day.
With the form of the Magpies up-and-down during the middle of this year, these players have been able to put pressure on for spots and earn a place in the AFL line-up and keep it.
Winning certainly helps too.
FROM THE PLAYERS: Gray, Hombsch
MAGPIES: Wet win over Central
3. Wingard is a whisker from AA Mark II
He's the AFL's leading small forward. Pencil him in. [pic: AFL Photos]
How could he not be?
Wingard bagged four goals again on the weekend (would have had five if Paddy Ryder didn't take advantage) and is setting himself to take out the club's leading goal kicker award. Few could doubt his form this year, particularly with the extra attention he's received from opposition players.
He's a genuine contender for several plaudits this year, especially another All-Australian nod.
PLAYER REVIEWS: Round 18
PTV: Hinkley post-game
4. Mount Everest is now K2
These players might still have something to offer in 2015 [pic: AFL Photos]
After losing the Showdown, Port Adelaide faced a metaphorical Everest to climb to get into the top eight.
Wins over Essendon and St Kilda have shaved the top off that mountain, but clearly it remains a challenge. One false move and the Power will fall off.
At least the task is simple: keep winning, and keep your chances alive.
The Power has shown enough to suggest it can give every opponent a genuine contest.
With the Bulldogs blowing Essendon out of the water on Sunday, though, the challenge doesn't get any easier this weekend.
