The Power went down to Essendon by 30 points in an entertaining and at times heated Sunday afternoon match at Etihad Stadium.
Port had its chances to snatch the lead from the Dons in the final term with almost 20 entries inside its attacking arc returning just 3.9 for the term.
The stage for a cracking game was set early as the two sides wrestled - at times a little too literally - for control of the match.
Port carried a seven-point lead into the first break after its sublime defensive pressure across the ground effected several turnovers and delivered goals.
Essendon was struck late in the term by the loss of captain and reigning Brownlow Medallist Jobe Watson who was substituted from the game following a collision with Justin Westhoff.
But whatever small win that was for the Power was soon forgotten when its slender lead evaporated after quarter time.
The Dons kicked six unanswered goals in the second term to put Port Adelaide to the hilt.
Essendon's pressure and numbers around the football combined with superior efficiency from centre bounces to cripple Port's attack and open a 32-point lead.
But while the Power’s ability to win the football had diminished, a late goal from Robbie Gray kept them in with a sniff at the long break.
Essendon looked to have the edge on the Power after half time but Port was able to wrest back momentum with quick goals to Angus Monfries and Chad Wingard.
Monfries kicked three in ten minutes to close the margin back to seven points and had a chance to make it a one-point game moments later from a set shot within his range.
But he instead chose to play on around his body - the resulting behind dropping the margin to a mere goal.
ESSENDON 3.2 9.5 13.7 18.10 (118)
His old side surged back with three consecutive majors to close the term with a 24-point advantage.
Port dominated possession in the final quarter but could not make its opportunities inside 50 count – returning a final term score of 3.9 from 12 scoring shots.
It was critical to the final result and a factor lamented by senior coach Ken Hinkley after the game.
"We kicked too many points unfortunately," said a matter-of-fact Hinkley.
Port dominated possession in the final quarter but could not make its opportunities inside 50 count – returning a final term score of 3.9 from 12 scoring shots.
It was critical to the final result and a factor lamented by senior coach Ken Hinkley after the game.
"We kicked too many points unfortunately," said a matter-of-fact Hinkley.
"Then you get a top-four side like Essendon and they're going to make you pay (for it) eventually.
"It was real disappointing that the boys didn't convert."
He said he sought to shut down the Bombers ability to win the uncontested ball.
"We did some things structurally not great - we gave them a little too much free ball and we know Essendon, playing here, wanted to play a fair bit of uncontested footy."
"We didn't quite get the balance right."
The Power still sits inside the top eight at the end of Round 15 despite the loss but faces another top side in Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium next Saturday.
ESSENDON 3.2 9.5 13.7 18.10 (118)
PORT ADELAIDE 4.3 5.4 9.7 12.16 (88)
GOALS
Essendon: Bellchambers 5,Winderlich 3, Hurley 3, Stanton 2, Zaharakis 2, Ryder, Howlett, Goddard
Port Adelaide: Monfries 4, Gray 3, Wingard 2, Hartlett 2, Trengove
INJURIES
Essendon: Watson (shoulder), Stanton (leg)
Port Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Travis Colyer replaced Jobe Watson in the first quarter
Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart replaced Jack Hombsch in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Dalgleish, Rosebury, Kamolins
