Port Adelaide midfielder Josh Francou has made a triumphant return from injury to orchestrate a 15-point victory over arch rival Adelaide in their AFL Wizard Cup match.

Francou, returning from two separate knee reconstructions, was a dominant performer as Port prevailed 0.11.9 (75) to Adelaide's 1.7.9 (60) at AAMI Stadium.

Francou has not played in an official AFL match since round one in 2003, when he injured a knee which required a reconstruction.

While on the comeback trail in 2004, he again suffered a knee ailment which required another reconstruction.

Despite playing only about 60 per cent of tonight's match, Francou gathered 20 possessions and used the majority with telling effect.

Francou's feats were the most pleasing aspect for the reigning AFL premier in a scrappy encounter before 26,161 people.

Adelaide Crows fans would have been similarly rapt with the return of key forward Mark Stevens, who booted three goals after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

Stevens and fellow goalsneak Ian Perrie (two goals) were standouts on an Adelaide forward line which struggled for cohesion, thanks mainly to the efforts of the Power's Stuart Dew.

Dew, cruising across halfback instead of his customary attacking position, combined with novice back pocket Jacob Surjan to frequently repel Crows attacks.

Surjan was a brilliant performer, showing dash and composure belying his 19 years of age.

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