Port Adelaide responded to a week of ridicule and pressure with an outstanding 39-point AFL semi-final win over Essendon.

The Power booked a preliminary final berth against Collingwood next Saturday afternoon at the MCG with its 12.11 (83) to 6.8 (44) win in saturating rain at AAMI Stadium.

Port had won only one final in seven before Saturday and its nickname almost became "choke" after last Sunday's shock two-goal qualifying final loss to Sydney.

But the minor premier repeated last year's qualifying final result over Essendon with one of the most important wins in the AFL club's seven-year history.

All-Australian key forward Warren Tredrea kicked three goals after missing training this week with the 'flu, while ruckmen Brendon Lade and Dean Brogan also dominated and Damien Hardwick was solid in defence.

Stuart Cochrane, initially dropped for the game, shut down Essendon captain and All-Australian selection James Hird.

The Bombers were always in trouble when Hird and full-forward Matthew Lloyd, their two best players, failed to fire.

Essendon managed only two goals after halftime and it was their second-lowest score of the season.

Lloyd started the last term on the bench after fullback Darryl Wakelin had closed him down.

Lloyd and Hird seemed below full fitness.

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