PORT Adelaide is third on the ladder and has defied expectations with four wins from its first six games.

And there's no-one prouder than Power coach Ken Hinkley after his side held off a fast-finishing North Melbourne to grab a 16-point victory at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

The Kangaroos booted the last five goals of the match, but left their run too late, going down 12.16 (88) to 11.6 (72).

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It was back-to-back victories for the Power after their stunning 42-point win over reigning premiers West Coast in Perth on Good Friday.

"It's really interesting because we sit here today, four (wins) and two (losses)," Hinkley said.

"I'm not sure they'd be many people saying that at the start of the year, that we'd be getting through this period of the season (sitting 4-2).

"We'd love to be sitting six (wins) and zero (losses), but we understand how hard the contest is and how hard the games can be to play.

"When you get through and win, backing up off the Perth game as well, it's a significant performance."

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The Power started their season with wins against Melbourne and Carlton, before going down to Brisbane and Richmond in rounds three and four respectively.

They get another serious test of their credentials as a top-four side when they take on grand finalists Collingwood at Marvel Stadium next Friday night.

"Let's enjoy tonight, it's a good victory, but we'll move on to Collingwood pretty quickly," Hinkley said.

"We understand we're playing probably nearly the best team in the competition next week and we look forward to the challenge."

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Hinkley was hopeful co-captain Tom Jonas would return from a minor calf strain after he was ruled out of the win over the Kangaroos on Friday morning.

"It should be (one week), but who knows?" Hinkley said.

"It's soft tissue, you've got to be a little bit careful."

Tall defender Dougal Howard was outstanding in Jonas' absence, while small forward Sam Gray – overlooked for the first two games of the season – continued his form resurgence, booting four goals.

"(Travis) Boak won the medal and he was a worthy winner, but (Gray) was pretty close to second and Dougal was really strong for us," Hinkley said.

"And with (Tom) Jonas out, have a look at the age of that backline tonight, it was pretty significant."

Hinkley said he wasn't concerned with the Power's last quarter, putting it down to inaccuracy as they kicked 2.7 in the final term.