The pundits barely considered the Power when it came to potential big improvers. Why would they? Port had already burned them before.

They'd jumped on the bandwagon after the Power's stellar 2014. But by the time a 2015 full of mediocrity was followed with even fewer wins last year, then complete inactivity on the trade front, it's fair to say most had completely lost interest.

To their cost, it appears now. And perhaps to Port Adelaide's benefit.

Approaching the halfway mark of the season, the Power are a serious player not only in finals, but perhaps top four speculation, Thursday night's trip to the intimidating Simonds Stadium to take on Geelong arguably the best indicator yet of just how close to their 2014 standards Ken Hinkley's team can climb this year.

But the signs thus far are good. And while there weren't any big names added to the mix in the off-season, there's been plenty of improvement from within.

And the sort of consistency Hinkley would have killed for in those last couple of disappointing seasons. Even the Power's three losses have been respectable enough, by 17 points to pacesetter Adelaide, 10 points to West Coast, and having led GWS at three-quarter time.

How have Port got back on track? Well, while there's rightly most attention on a midfield firing once again as a group, Ollie Wines and Brad Ebert in particular having outstanding seasons, there's obvious positives all over the ground.

In attack, the Power have gone from mid-table to a ranking of second, scoring at 112.9 points per game, more than three goals a game up on last season.

That's been typified by what is turning into a career-best season from key forward Charlie Dixon, the enigmatic big man currently averaging 2.4 goals per game, and his average 14 disposals, 2.6 contested marks and nearly four tackles per game also personal bests.

Dixon has given Port an obvious target. The Power are seeking him out an average 13 times per game, reflected in his No.1 ranking at the club for marks on the lead and inside 50.

He's still second on the goalkicking charts, though, just behind Robbie Gray, turning in another stellar season, and now, playing more permanently as a forward, hitting the scoreboard even harder.

Gray this season won more disposals inside 50 than in any season since 2009, and consequently ranks third in the AFL for scoreboard impact in terms of goals kicked plus score assists contributing almost five goals a game.

Port Adelaide's deserves as many if not more plaudits, too, given its still relatively anonymous status. Tom Clurey, Tom Jonas and Jack Hombsch don't turn too many heads even in Adelaide, let alone beyond, but they have been the foundation of a very solid defensive unit, and complemented nicely by the rebound of Matthew Broadbent, Darcy Byrne-Jones and Jasper Pittard.

As a unit, they team together extremely well, Port ranked No.1 for fewest average points conceded, giving up goals from only 22.5 per cent opposition forward entries, as well as conceding the fewest marks inside 50.

Around the ball, meanwhile, Paddy Ryder's return has been pivotal, dramatically improving Port's hit-out-to-advantage numbers in the ruck.

The relative luxury of playing Gray predominantly up forward has been due in no small part to the success of Chad Wingard (out injured this week) in the middle and the welcome return to form of Jared Polec, averaging career high disposals.

Port aren't just winning a lot more contested ball and clearances this season, they're capitalising better on that pressure, ranked first on the differentials for scores from clearances and second for scores from turnovers.

In a nutshell, there's improvement all over the park. And while Geelong away is a big test, it's fair to say Port Adelaide's run home, which after this week will consist of 13 games, just four of them against sides currently in the top eight, is as favourable as it gets.

Get through the bulk of those unscathed, and a team basically shunned in the lead-up to this season simply can't be ignored any longer.