Unlike the year previous, the Power were completely outplayed by a far better Bulldogs side who beat them by 71 points.
In saying this, the last couple of years under Ken Hinkley have inevitably been a success, hosting two home preliminary Finals.
The Power boasts a dynamic list that has proven they can hold up to the best teams in the competition.
Whilst in other years, a home preliminary final may have been viewed as a strong pass for any side, the time has now come for Hinkley's men to really push for the flag.
Their list is far more mature and Hinkley's system is now down pat. The fans are now anxiously awaiting a big season in 2022.
For the most part, the Alberton side has most areas of their game figured out. However, there are still multiple spots for improvement.
Here are our five burning questions going into 2022:
Can the Power break their 18-year Premiership drought?
Whilst there are other areas of concern, the premiership cup is the elusive 'elephant in the room'.
They have fallen two steps short of the finish line for two years straight whilst being in prime position to really challenge in both those years.
There is no doubt that they have the list to do it, boasting players like Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines, superstar veteran Travis Boak and the ever-improving All-Australian Aliir Aliir amongst multiple others.
Once again, the Power's best chance will be finishing in the top two in the home and away season before winning both their home finals on their way to the 'big dance.'
However, if they are not able to play two consecutive home finals, their chances will shrink tremendously since a loud, home crowd is of much importance in finals.
Can they find a solid defensive structure?
Throughout the majority of home and away season games, Ken Hinkley's defensive structure has worked well and produced some great results.
However, against great sides in big matches, the Power has struggled to hold down opposition key forwards.
Currently, the Alberton side has two terrific key defenders in Aliir Aliir and Tom Jonas, who are used primarily as interceptors.
However, if one of these two, especially Aliir, is shut out of the game as he was by Josh Schache in the prelimary final, their defence is left vulnerable with either Trent McKenzie or Tom Clurey one-on-one with the opposition's best forward.
Elucidating this, the best one-on-one forward in the competition, Tom Hawkins, has kicked 17 goals in his last four games against the Power by simply isolating himself as the deepest forward.
Hence, Hinkley will be coerced to find a defensive structure that can hold up to the best forward lines in the league.
Can the Power find more avenues to goal in 2022?
Throughout the last couple of years, the Power have managed to kick plenty of goals against those down the ladder but have struggled against the stronger defences of the competition.
The goals they generate against weaker opposition are inevitable given their dominance in matches. This means that guys running through the midfield are able to get forward and snag some goals.
In contrast, when going up against stronger sides where the game is more stagnant and slow, Port Adelaide struggles to find options up forward.
Generally, Charlie Dixon is the target and when he has two-to-three big defenders coming across to spoil, he struggles to get going. If he can return to his 2020 form, the Power will be right up there with a chance for the flag.
Apart from him, however, their forward line hasn't been as unreliable, with the likes of Orazio Fantasia and Mitch Georgiades needing to emerge as more senior figures this season.
As a result of this inconsistency up forward, the Power found themselves in negotiations with forward Jeremy Finlayson, who they eventually acquired from the Giants.
He will be required to alleviate much of the pressure on Dixon and Marshall and kick a goal or two per game.
Hinkley will be desperate for his forwards to stay healthy and in form.
How does their midfield take shape?
Port Adelaide has one of the best midfield duos in the AFL, comprising of ball-magnet Ollie Wines and three-time All-Australian Travis Boak.
Outside of these two, however, there is a fair drop-off to the next best midfielder.
In saying this, the Power holds one of the best bunches of midfield depth in the league with multiple players able to play a big role.
Willem Drew will probably be the next most regular part of their centre bounces due to his ability to do the dirty defensive work on opposition midfielders.
Both Zak Butters and Connor Rozee will get more midfield time this year due to their mix of class and aggression in the contest.
Further, Dan Houston is allegedly set for some more midfield time going into 2022, likely lining up on opposite wings to Karl Amon, Xavier Duursma and Miles Bergman throughout the year.
What is the pass mark for Ken Hinkley and his men?ย
For a side that is still on the rise, it is generally important for them to show some improvement on a year-to-year basis.
The same goes for the Power, who, having made preliminary finals two years running, will be expected to take the next step and make the grand final.
A premiership on top of this would be seen as an extreme success.
However, if Hinkley's men are unable to reach the heights they have hit over the past two years, his job will be under threat for yet another time in his career.
Since taking over in 2013, Hinkley has won two Coach of the Year Awards, including his 2013 award and more recent 2020 honour.
However, during this time, Hinkley has still failed to make the grand final, making him the longest-serving coach in AFL history to have not taken part in the final game in September.
His contract ends in 2023, but he will need to break his drought this year, or else he may find himself out of a job before the end of his contract.
