Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps says the team's track record of rejuvenating the careers of recycled players has made it the AFL's next destination club.
The Power has become one of the hot 2018 premiership fancies following a stellar trade period that netted three established players - Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions), Steven Motlop (Geelong) and Jack Watts (Melbourne).
Cripps told ESPN the club's aggressive trade approach would help to slingshot it deep into September action next year and beyond.
"It was certainly a team effort," he said.
"Since Ken Hinkley has become team coach, we've provided a tremendous football program for players from other clubs.
"The success rate we've had in recent times with Jack Hombsch, Jared Polec, Angus Monfries and Charlie Dixon is outstanding. Those guys have been able to come to our club and play their best footy.
"I think when we bring people to the club I think they have real confidence in what we're doing.
"We were a game and a half off top spot and our recruits will hopefully add to our aspirations next season."
Cripps highlighted Hinkley's approach as a big factor in luring players to Alberton.
He says the coach's "good cop, bad cop" strategy helps to get the best out of his playing list.
"We're able to articulate what our football program looks like in detail to prospective players," Cripps told ESPN.
"We have strong staff, an incredible leadership group, headed by Travis Boak, and a strong welfare support program.
"Fifty percent of our list is from interstate, so we put a real emphasis on making the players feel like this place is a home-away-from-home for them.
"Ken [Hinkley] is really honest and has a unique ability to put the arm around and give a cuddle, as well as balancing it with putting the needle in and getting the best out of them."
Cripps hasn't bowed to popular opinion that the trade period is too long.
"It's certainly an exhausting process," he told ESPN.
"I think what the football public don't realise is that discussions have been going on for about six or eight weeks. I think the actual period is just about right.
"It helped us, particularly in the last 48 hours, appropriately come to an agreement to get [ruckman Matthew] Lobbe to Carlton."