Nick Riewoldt's accomplished return from knee surgery was about the only solace St Kilda could take home from their pre-season trip to AAMI Stadium on Friday.

Port Adelaide ran away with the AFL practice match, showing plenty of speed and muscle to win 17.11 (113) to 9.5 (59).

Port repelled early St Kilda attacks, largely due to the poise of running half-backs Steven Salopek and Nathan Krakouer to set up a lead that was never really challenged.

Kane Cornes had his usual hefty share of possessions, while up forward Justin Westhoff, Brett Ebert, Daniel Motlop and Robbie Gray all arrowed through three goals apiece.

Attention-grabbing rookie Wade Thompson did his chances of an upgrade no harm whatsoever by nabbing another two goals and again impressing with his pace and nerve.

Brendon Lade and Dean Brogan did much as they pleased in the ruck, highlighting the absence of Michael Gardiner and Steven King for the Saints.

Riewoldt offered several touches of great courage and class, including the mark on the match in term two, but his teammates were often unable to win enough ball to give him a greater chance to influence proceedings.

Both clubs were intent on fine-tuning for round one and attempted to impose the new model rolling zone that has spread rapidly across the league.

Port Adelaide appeared far better equipped to deal with the tactic on a warm afternoon and were soon cutting holes in the Saints' structure to isolate the likes of Gray and Westhoff up forward.

A 19-point quarter-time advantage blew out to 58 at the half as the Power hammered through six majors without reply.

St Kilda's lone highlight for the term was a trademark grab from Riewoldt, reaching majestically over the top of a contest to show he was ready to resume, but his hurried finish for a behind illustrated the lack of thought common to many disposals by the visitors.

There was a little more fight and system from the Saints in the third, stemming Port's flow, while Riewoldt caught the eye up forward to help reduce the margin to 45 at the last change.

Term four played out without much incident, although Motlop illustrated his penchant for the impossible by threading through a checkside kick from an unfriendly angle.

Power coach Mark Williams was delighted by his side's form a fortnight from round one.

"We were really pleased with how we moved the ball and we restricted the opposition to 28 inside 50s which was outstanding," he said.

Saints coach Ross Lyon said Riewoldt's return was promising but he had been hampered by the lack of supply from midfield.

"Not a lot of supply or quality entries, he's going to get better than that but he looked a little bit dangerous," he said.

"We got smacked through the midfield and those sorts of things, he was outnumbered a bit, but that's OK, he's got one under his belt and will improve with another two weeks' training."

Defender Max Hudghton was set back by a calf problem that could put him out of action for some time.

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