PORT Adelaide’s inspired capture of Paddy Ryder has positioned it to not only contend for next year’s premiership but be an AFL power for the next five years.

AFL list analysis expert Champion Data has described former Bomber ruckman Ryder’s arrival at Alberton as “the last obvious piece of a nice-looking jigsaw puzzle’’.

And it says it has left Port well placed to challenge back-to-back premier Hawthorn for next year’s flag and match expansion clubs Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney when they peak in the next few years.

“Port is building a very complete list,’’ said Champion Data senior analyst Glenn Luff.

“Its biggest area of need was that second ruckman and third tall forward and getting Ryder solves both of those problems.

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“They’ve got so much talent now and they are still young so they should be contending for at least the next five years.

“The profile of their list suggests they can look forward to a sustained run of success.’’

Champion rates Ryder, 26, as one of the AFL’s premier ruckmen while also noting he was the only first-choice ruckman to average a goal a game this year. The Power secured him in a trade from Essendon for draft picks 17 and 37.

Port has been building for a shot at the premiership, rising from 14th in 2012 to fifth in 2013 and third this year when it went within a kick of playing in the grand final, losing to the Hawks by three points in an epic preliminary final at the MCG.

While team lists are still to be completed with more delistings to come and the national draft still a month away, the profile of the Power squad is starting to read more like a premiership contender.

After the free agency and trade period, Port has risen from the third-youngest team last season to the seventh-youngest and the sixth-least experienced team in terms of games played to the ninth.

“Port’s starting to find the perfect balance between talent and experience,’’ Luff said.

“It has a nice age profile throughout its squad and has put itself in a position to be a real challenger for the next five years.’’

Champion Data is also optimistic about Adelaide’s chances of rising up the ladder rapidly under new coach Phil Walsh.

The Crows have slumped from third to 11th and 10th in the past two seasons under dumped Brenton Sanderson but Luff predicted a “spike’’ up the table next year.

“I really rate their list,’’ Luff said. “They’ve got some real top-end talent and I think the Crows and Suns can be the big improvers next season.’’