// This article originally appeared on AFL.com.au //

TWO THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Finals well within reach for resurgent Power

Ken Hinkley's "look out, we're coming" comment wasn't taken overly seriously a few weeks ago, but the Power's pre-season performances have given reason for optimism. An impressive showing against Brisbane was followed with a gritty win over the Western Bulldogs. Results in February and early March aren't always a great indicator of future success, but it was the manner of the victories that provide confidence. The Power's experienced players are in great nick while their young guns have shown plenty and are only going to get better.

2. Dual rucks out the window

The Power played two ruckmen for most of last year, but Scott Lycett is clearly the first-choice ruck at the club following the departure of Paddy Ryder. Youngster Peter Ladhams showed promise when he broke into the side last season. However, the Power showed their hand in their second Marsh game with Lycett playing as a lone ruck with Charlie Dixon and Justin Westhoff filling the role as the back-up ruck. Having played in the shadow of Nic Naitanui at West Coast, Lycett will relish the challenge of being the main man and the Power have enough tall targets in attack without needing to carry a second specialist ruckman.

STILL A MYSTERY

Where does Wines fit into the Power midfield?

The Power's strong pre-season form was achieved while vice-captain Ollie Wines was sidelined recovering from shoulder surgery. Wines is expected to be out for at least the first month of the season, but how he is integrated back into the side once he is available will be interesting. The Power's midfield looked balanced with Travis Boak, Tom Rockliff and Dan Houston getting help from Connor Rozee, Steven Motlop, Brad Ebert, Sam Powell-Pepper, Zak Butters and Willem Drew. Wines is in the Power's best 22 when he's up and firing, but the challenge will be fitting him in without upsetting the synergy they have going.