Northern Territorian Liam Jurrah made some sort of homecoming as Melbourne downed a sinking Port Adelaide by 21 points in Saturday night's AFL match in Darwin.

Port sit last on the ladder after Melbourne's convincing 17.11 (113) to 14.8 (92) win at TIO Stadium.

Jurrah, adopted as local hero by the 7,255-strong crowd, kicked three goals and featured in two others as the Demons banked a valued win to stay in touch of the top eight.

Melbourne's attacking crumber Addam Maric and fellow forward Ricky Petterd also booted three goals while skipper Brad Green kicked two as Port wilted to remain with just two wins for the season.

Power veteran Chad Cornes was among his side's best with three goals, but Jurrah matched that return in a second quarter purple patch which set Melbourne on course for victory.

The super skilled 22-year-old Jurrah had already had a hand in two other first term goals and was a constant thorn to Port, who slipped four goals behind by quarter-time.

The Demons kicked six goals to two in a dominant opening quarter which established a margin never seriously threatened by Port.

Melbourne onballers Colin Sylvia and Brent Moloney were dynamic ball winners, and formed a winning midfield with support from Jack Trengove and Nathan Jones.

The quartet feasted on Mark Jamar's ruck control, while Petterd and Maric were forward line livewires as Melbourne stifled a disappointing Port.

The Power rallied briefly in a free scoring period either side of halftime to give just reward to the toil of captain Dom Cassisi, who played in the knowledge his wife remained in Adelaide and was three days overdue to give birth.

But the Demons responded in kind to lead by 45 points late in the third, only to allow Port to sneak within 14 points midway through the final quarter before holding sway for their seventh victory of the season.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey praised his side's composure for weathering Port's final term fightback.

"The conditions were pretty tough and it's always good to win interstate," Bailey said.

"We came here with a real strong resolve that we had to win this game and we did."

Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus said his club was hurting from being bottom of the ladder but wouldn't be motivated by avoiding the wooden spoon.

Melbourne young gun Tom Scully was substituted with a knee injury which coach Bailey hoped was just bruising.

The Demons meet Hawthorn next Sunday while Port have a bye.

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