It was different coach but same sad result for Port Adelaide as their AFL losing streak extended with a 36-point defeat to Western Bulldogs in Darwin on Saturday night.

Port lost their ninth game in a row when the Bulldogs prevailed 12.11 (83) to 7.5 (47) before 10,108 spectators at TIO Stadium.

The Dogs retained their pressure on Fremantle's fourth position with the comprehensive win, set up with a four-goal blitz in the third term.

Their 10th victory of the season was largely created by midfielders Adam Cooney and Matthew Boyd, who kicked two goals in a towering 35 disposal display.

The Power, with Primus at the helm following last week's departure of Mark Williams as coach, produced a spirited five goal opening to lead by 16 points at quarter time - but Port kicked only two more goals for the game.

Their initial challenge drew an emphatic reaction from the finals bound Bulldogs, who kicked seven of the next eight goals to stamp a match winning authority.

Boyd, Cooney (24 disposals) and Daniel Cross (33 possessions) ruled the packs while dash from defender Jarrod Harbrow was also a feature for the Dogs.

The Power's durable midfielder Kane Cornes marked his 200th AFL match with 36 touches, five tackles and two goals in a sterling performance, but Port generally was blighted by basic skill blunders.

After their bright start, the Power were unable to stem the Bulldogs' hardened midfield, which gained control of the stoppages.

The Dogs led by only four points at halftime, but an emphatic third term produced four goals to one and a 25 point advantage at the last break.

The final quarter stressed both teams in the Darwin humidity, producing no score whatsoever for the initial 14 minutes in a sapping stalemate.

But the deadlock suited the Bulldogs, who now prepare to play Fremantle for fourth spot next Sunday while Port confront their arch rival Adelaide, also next Sunday.

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade praised the fightback which reaped 10 of the last 12 goals.

"I thought if we lifted our work rate, we would be okay," Eade said.

"We certainly created enough opportunities ... that was pleasing."

Eade was uncertain if spearhead Barry Hall will return from an ankle injury for their season-shaping clash with Fremantle next Sunday.

"Not definitely, if he's fit, he'll certainly play, we'll pick him," Eade said.

Port's caretaker coach Matthew Primus said his first outing in control was a "good experience" but sour because of the loss.

"They were able to keep winning the ball, they contested ball," Primus said.

"We showed some signs."

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