Less than two years ago, the Power seemingly had no money, few supporters, was a mess at board level, had sacked its coach and there were even suggestions its future in the league was under question.

However, the Power has since undergone a metamorphosis and, having announced on Tuesday it had more than 50,000 members for the first time, could almost be considered a power club, something president David Koch and chief executive Keith Thomas aspired to when they took charge in late 2012.

Only Collingwood (71,760), Richmond (62,826), Hawthorn (64,140), Essendon (54,537), West Coast Eagles (53,588) and cross-town rival Adelaide (53,026) have more members.

“This is an absolute credit to our fantastic people who are backing the direction the club is going in,” Thomas said.

“The most pleasing part of us achieving this milestone is that it shows that we are reconnecting with the Port Adelaide community.”

The Power, still with significant debt but hoping to be profitable within three years, has added 20,000 members since 2010, including 1000 since the Showdown at the Adelaide Oval against the Crows in round two this season.

As St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne continue to be constrained by their home-ground deals, the Power now has a favourable contract since leaving AAMI Stadium.

Where the memberships of some Melbourne-based clubs have stagnated, the Power’s 20 per cent growth on last year’s figure alone has meant a $2 million boost to the bottom line.

The Power has also worked hard to generate business networks in Melbourne and Sydney, helping to spread its ‘‘brand’’.

Power players will wear a replica 2004 guernsey against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, featuring the names of the premiership players.