GUN RECRUIT Charlie Dixon has booted five goals to help Port Adelaide to a 45-point win over Melbourne in Alice Springs.

Dixon proved the difference in a dominant second quarter on Saturday to help the Power to an 18.13 (121) to 10.16 (76) win in front of 5146 fans at TIO Traeger Park.

The Gold Coast recruit kicked three majors in the second term as Port seized the momentum and opened up a 21-point lead.

TALKING POINTS: Melbourne v Port Adelaide

Melbourne's midfield received silver service from a dominant Max Gawn (48 outs, two goals) but paid the price for inaccuracy and a number of dismal forward entries.

Forward spearhead Jesse Hogan booted three goals but received little help as the Demons continued to turn the ball over.

Port had no such problems, moving the ball with precision and stifling the Demons' run to register their third-straight win over Melbourne in Alice Springs. 

"I felt like we controlled our ball movement a bit better today. I think that was important," Ken Hinkley said post-match.

"It's a good ground to play on. We love coming up here. It's a big, open ground that gives you some room to move."

Port had no such problems, moving the ball with precision and stifling the Demons' run.

Dangerous forward Chad Wingard's forward pressure was outstanding, while rookie Darcy Byrne-Jones staked his claim for a Rising Star nomination with 23 touches, eight marks and a goal.

Melbourne star Jack Viney was tagged out of the game by Brad Ebert, managing just seven touches to halftime.

The Demons threatened a comeback late in the third quarter, bringing the margin back within three goals.

But the Power had all the run in the final quarter, with late goals to Jarman Impey and Jake Neade sealing the win.

"It was too easy for them to score. That was probably the biggest difference in the game," Melbourne coach Paul Roos said.

"A lot of indicators were pretty good, but we couldn't stop them for scoring in enough patches.

"Everytime we got to within two or three goals, we'd give away an easy goal or they'd go coast-to-coast.

"So that was the difference in the game, our lack of ability to defend and their ability to score easily."

MEDICAL ROOM
Melbourne: Neville Jetta copped a hit to the face from Justin Westhoff but played out the game without issue, while Colin Garland was very groggy after being whacked in the face in the final term and will be assessed for a possible fractured cheekbone. Nathan Jones left the ground with a shoulder complaint after a tackle on Sam Gray but returned to the field.
Port Adelaide: Matthew Broadbent was withdrawn after final teams were lodged due to a bout of gastro, so he should be fine by next week. Paul Stewart seemed to suffer some concussion after tackling Christian Petracca in the first quarter but played out the game. Jack Hombsch's hamstring was tight late in the game and he will be assessed during the week.

NEXT UP
Both teams are heading for the MCG. The Dees will be aiming to break a run of 12-straight losses to Hawthorn next Saturday, while Port faces a rejuvenated Collingwood on Sunday in what looks an intriguing contest between finals hopefuls. 

MELBOURNE 2.7 4.9 9.12 10.16 (76)                 
PORT ADELAIDE 2.4 8.6 12.11 18.13 (121)

GOALS
Melbourne: Hogan 3, Watts 2, Gawn 2, Neal-Bullen, Garlett, Kent
Port Adelaide: Dixon 5, Young 2, Wingard 2, Impey 2, Hartlett, Boak, Howard, R.Gray, Byrne-Jones, Krakouer, Neade 

BEST 
Melbourne: Gawn, Jones, Watts, Hogan, Wagner, McDonald
Port Adelaide: Wingard, R.Gray, Ebert, Dixon, Westhoff, Boak, Byrne-Jones 

INJURIES 
Melbourne: Garland (cheekbone)
Port Adelaide: Broadbent (gastro) replaced in selected side by S.Gray, Hombsch (hamstring), Stewart (concussion).

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Hay, Findlay, Mollison

Official crowd: 5146 at Traeger Park