It was hardly a match for the ages, but Fremantle did enough to earn a breakthrough win over reigning AFL premier Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval.

It was a woeful opening half, Port seemingly struck by the proverbial 'premiership hangover' and the home side guilty of the simple skill errors and poor decision-making that plagued it throughout 2004.

But an inspired performance from Matthew Pavlich and Matthew Carr led Fremantle to its first win over Port at Subiaco Oval in five attempts, 13.10 (88) to 7.11 (53).

Pavlich finished with three goals, 11 marks and 17 disposals, while Matthew Carr picked up 33 possessions in a fighting if uninspiring effort from the home side.

Four goals to one in the third term was enough for Fremantle to claim the four points, the Dockers withstanding a late Port comeback.

The teams combined for just 11 goals in a dour first half, with Fremantle finally getting out of first gear after the long break to beat Port Adelaide in its first outing as AFL premier.

It was apparent early in the game Fremantle's worrying habit of over-using the ball - a major problem throughout 2004 - would again be an issue.

Matthew Carr, Jeff Farmer and Graham Polak were all guilty of poor disposals as the Dockers failed to capitalise on a glut of early possession.

But Dion Woods and Ryan Murphy kicked goals to close the quarter, the latter his first in AFL football, as Fremantle took a two-goal lead into the first break.

After two years blighted by injury, Port skipper Matthew Primus imposed himself on the game with two goals early in the second quarter as the premiers began to flex muscle.

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