Port Adelaide reinvigorated its flagging AFL premiership defence with a convincing eight-goal win over the Kangaroos, but coach Mark Williams was unwilling to declare the Power back on track.

The 18.11 (119) to 10.12 (72) win at AAMI Stadium, headed by an awesome six-goal, 12-mark performance by Warren Tredrea, was most heartening for the Power because of the standout performances of its senior players.

Veteran defender Gavin Wanganeen starred, playing from a back pocket but roaming the ground with relish.

Skipper Matthew Primus returned to dominant form in the ruck, midfielder Josh Francou repeatedly cleared the ball from packs and bone-crunching defender Michael Wilson, thrust into the centre square, provided an enormous midfield spark.

Port Adelaide's storming second quarter, when it kicked the last seven goals before half-time to open a 49-point lead, was a return to its efficient, skilful best.

The 'Roos threatened with runs of goals early in the third and fourth quarters, but both times Tredrea used strength to gather at ground level and snap goals to stem the tide.

Williams said the win was a much-needed statement of intent, after Port's listless capitulation to Richmond last week and what he said was a "blase" attitude earlier in the season.

"They showed they cared and they really want to play a part of finals footy and they gave themselves an opportunity today," he said.

"I don't look to anything more scientific than the fact the players took it on.

"You can see things slipping away and when that's been confronted you can get a great response and that's what we saw today."

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