Port Adelaide kept their AFL finals hopes alive with an 18-point win over reigning AFL premiers Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

The Power took until the second quarter to take the lead after an error-riddled opening and held up strongly against a surge from the Hawks in the final term to win 18.13 (121) to 14.19 (103).

Port led by eight points at halftime and 18 at three-quarter time, the teams kicking three goals apiece in the final term.

Small forward Robbie Gray booted four goals for the Power while Warren Tredrea and Justin Westhoff booted three each.

For Hawthorn Luke Hodge and Brent Guerra kicked two each but Lance Franklin left his kicking boots in Melbourne, managing a disappointing 2.7.

Port livewire David Rodan was close to best on ground while Shaun Burgoyne also had a big influence.

Travis Boak and defender Troy Chaplin were also among Port's best.

For Hawthorn, Chance Bateman battled all day while Brent Guerra, Luke Hodge and Campbell Brown also tried hard and Cyril Rioli showed flashes of brilliance.

In a season of mixed form, the good Port turned up to play in a match destined to have a big impact on their chances of participating in finals football.

The Power's defensive pressure was too much for the Hawks, who were without an effective forward all day.

Hawthorn also paid the price for inaccurate kicking and while Jarryd Roughead kicked two goals, he still looked well short of his best.

Port's win could come at a cost though, with Chad Cornes likely to be asked to explain his forceful contact with an umpire in the third term.

Captain Domenic Cassisi also suffered an injury in a clash of heads, but was able to resume after medical treatment.

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