The imposing Warren Tredrea resuscitated Port Adelaide's flagging AFL premiership defence by inspiring a 19-point triumph over Essendon on Saturday night.

Tredrea was the catalyst of Port's 12.13 (95) to 9.12 (66) victory at AAMI Stadium, booting five goals to provide some glitter in an otherwise glum encounter.

The centre-half forward eclipsed two opponents in a commanding display to help Port recover from a goal-less opening quarter and secure a crucial victory.

The 2004 premiers entered the fixture with just two wins and rapidly slipping from finals calculations.

And when Essendon, minus James Hird who wily coach Kevin Sheedy suggested on Friday could play despite not being named, kicked the initial four goals of the game, Port was on the ropes.

Tredrea responded with class and composure, setting up two goals for Brendon Lade and kicking one himself as the hosts claimed the initiative and a two-point lead at halftime time.

But the Bombers, driven by midfielders Mark Johnson (three goals) and Jason Johnson, matched the challenge to wrest a three-point advantage at three-quarter time.

Tredrea then singlehandedly extinguished Essendon's victory hopes - kicking three goals in a 10-minute purple patch in the last term that sealed the Power's third win of the season.

Port captain Matthew Primus was a tireless leader in the rucks, especially in the tight third term, while defenders Brett Montgomery and Chad Cornes were also prominent performers.

Essendon relied heavily on the Johnson's and Damien Peverill while Scott Lucas contributed two goals in his roaming forward line role.

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