It was the sort of AFL contest Port Adelaide often found a way to lose last year.

Away to a fast start against Essendon at AAMI Stadium, the Power could not quite put the Bombers away and the teams remained within four goals of each other for most of a warm autumn afternoon.

In 2008, this would have been the cue for a final term collapse and a jubilant visiting team, but in round one of 2009 Port Adelaide held firm for a 15.17 (107) to 9.12 (66) victory.

"Essendon kept at the game and challenged us right to the last part, so it was great to have our fitness shine through," said coach Mark Williams.

"Typically last year in those positions we fell over the line and lost, and so that was certainly talked about, Dom (Cassisi) brought it up at three quarter time, the boys sucked it in and really did push through.

"There's a lot of hurt and a lot of pain playing the first game of the year and with the heat as it was out there it was a great result."

Much of the Power's impetus radiated from the speedy legs of Danyle Pearce, who proved elusive and creative all day.

He received great support from Kane Cornes, Peter Burgoyne and skipper Cassisi, while forwards Daniel Motlop (four goals), Justin Westhoff (three) and Brett Ebert (two) all fired.

Ebert provided a scare when he appeared to injure an already strapped left shoulder, but he would return to the field before the final siren.

More concerning was Dean Brogan's report for a quarter time altercation with young Bomber Andrew Lovett.

Essendon had plenty of triers, Jobe Watson's effort never flagging, well-travelled recruit Hayden Skipworth showing his maturity and David Hille battling manfully in the ruck.

It was a day to forget for Scott Lucas and Matthew Lloyd however, as the two veteran goalkickers managed only one between them.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights lamented his side's inability to close to within two goals at any stage of the afternoon.

"We planned coming in that if we stayed with Port long enough we were a real opportunity to win the game and what was disappointing is that when we had those opportunities to get shots on goal or score we didn't take them," he said.

"We could never get to that 10 point margin that would then put the pressure back on Port, and Port were then still able to play with their own freedom, didn't tighten up at all."

In temperatures nudging 30 degrees, the Power made the hottest of starts to nab the first three goals inside 10 minutes.

Pearce's speed and disposal were an early feature, and Nathan Krakouer made one inspired interception while narrowly avoiding oblivion at the hands of an onrushing Bomber.

On several occasions Essendon seemed destined to give up a goal amid a flurry of tackles, and a 20-point quarter time margin was the bare minimum the Power deserved.

A more evenly contested second saw the Bombers edge back as Hille exerted an influence while the Power became sloppy.

They flagged a little after halftime despite kicking with the help of the breeze, allowing Essendon to maintain faint hope.

Motlop's expert set shot from deep in a forward pocket was a rare moment of surety from the home side, and Essendon stayed within sight at the last change.

Robbie Gray nabbed the first of the term, however, and a brief midterm wrestle was ended by Motlop and Westhoff.

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