Coach Matthew Primus reckons Port Adelaide did more than bounce off rock bottom with Sunday's gripping eight-point AFL victory over Melbourne.

Primus believes Port exorcised some of their demons with a 17.10 (112) to 15.14 (104) triumph in the first AFL match at Adelaide Oval.

Before a rollicking crowd of 29,340 spectators, the Power won their third match of their worst AFL season.

The result ensured newcomers Gold Coast finished last on the ladder with the same number of wins as Port, but a poorer percentage.

Port were headed for defeat in the final term by a surging Melbourne but, unlike in the rest of their dark year, responded to the challenge with a match-defining four goal burst.

"It is frustrating we haven't had more of that during the year," Primus said of the final term rally.

Power utility Justin Westhoff capped a sterling four-goal display with two telling majors in the frenetic final quarter to snuff out the Demon revival.

His 29-year-old teammate Daniel Motlop, believed to be headed for the axe, gathered an influential 23 disposals.

Experienced trio Brett Ebert (three goals), Steven Salopek (26 disposals) and Danyle Pearce (25 possessions) salvaged something from a season in which all fell out of selection favour.

Melbourne still had more inside 50s and more scoring shots, but butchered several gilt-edged goal chances.

"We just didn't reward ourselves enough when we had some opportunities to hurt them on the scoreboard," Melbourne's caretaker coach Todd Viney said.

Viney will soon decide whether to apply for the permanent coaching position while his counterpart Primus ponders Port's woeful year.

"We have learnt some harsh lessons this year - individually, and as a group, and as a club, and they are going to hold us in good stead," Primus said.

"It's a marathon season and there are lots of obstacles thrown at you and we haven't been able to overcome those obstacles.

"(But) I have enjoyed it, whether that comes across as crazy or not, but I have really enjoyed working with the group.

"... We as a football club have got a real steely resolve about what we're going to do with our list and where we're going to take the club.

"Any journey worth taking is going to have its ups and downs but its going to be worthwhile taking.

"We have taken a lot of hits this year but we have finished with a good one and that will give us a tiny bounce into pre-season."

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