Some Shaun Burgoyne magic helped propel Port Adelaide to a thrilling three-point triumph over arch-rival Adelaide in their AFL NAB Cup match on Friday night.

Burgoyne was the key component in Port's 2.9.17 (89) to 2.10.8 (86) victory at AAMI Stadium.

The smooth mover lodged an early goal of the year contender and provided constant spark for the Power around the ground in a dominant performance in front of 16,355 spectators.

His heroics came after Port had slipped as much as 21-points adrift of an Adelaide side missing several stars, including midfielder Simon Goodwin.

Goodwin, under an AFL gambling investigation for betting on matches, was named captain for the match but was a late withdrawal with team officials citing a slight calf ailment.

The Crows seemingly didn't miss the prime onballer in the opening stages, taking a 12-point lead at quarter-time after two goals each to debutant Jonathon Griffin and Nathan Bock.

Bock's second major was a 65m supergoal on the run, and when veteran Crow Tyson Edwards kicked two second-quarter goals in two minutes, Adelaide held a 21-point lead which reflected their superiority.

But Port then responded with a brace of four unanswered goals, including Burgoyne's brilliant supergoal.

In the space of 10 minutes, Port wrested control and a late quarter Tom Logan snap gave the Power a five-point advantage at halftime.

After the main break, Crow goalsneak Scott Welsh quickly registered a set shot supergoal to give Adelaide a four-point buffer - but it was the last time the Crows led.

Port's dashing winger Danyle Pearce immediately responded with a goal to restore the Power's advantage, which was further extended when Logan scored an unusual supergoal.

Logan was interfered with after taking a mark about 55m from goal and was awarded a 50m penalty - he kicked the nine-pointer five metres from goal.

Port ended the third term some 14-points in front and held a 17-point advantage 16 minutes into the final quarter.

But Adelaide kicked two quick goals to sneak within four-points in the 20th minute of the final term.

Crow onballer Mick Doughty then had a chance to steal the match for his side, but his 30m shot on the run drifted for a point, leaving Port three-points ahead at the final siren.

Port coach Mark Williams was satisfied with achieving the narrow victory over their cross-town rivals.

"Any time we play the Crows it's always a tight game and we are really pleased to get the result," Williams said.

"Certainly the glass is half full for us. We did a lot of things right tonight and a lot of things we have worked on. We got a lot of great results and the players will get a lot of confidence out of."

Adelaide lost ruckman John Meesen with strained knee ligaments, an injury which could sideline the youngster for up to six weeks, but Crows coach Neil Craig was content with the first serious hit-out for his charges this year.

"It was a pretty competitive match," Craig said.

"It gave us an opportunity to get some new players some significant ground time.

"It was tough conditions for both sides so the ball movement in a lot of instances was pretty poor, particularly ours.

"From where we sit, it was a great step-up in our preseason work and we were a silly chance to nearly win it in the end."

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