Westhoff was crucial in the win with nine disposals in the final quarter, including six marks and two vital goals to regain the lead.
His game drew praise from coach Ken Hinkley, who said it was a welcome return to good form for the 27-year-old utility.
However, Westhoff wasn’t celebrating too hard in the rooms after the game.
"We didn't really play the game on our terms but we just got over the line," Westhoff told AFL.com.au.
Port survives scare from plucky Demons
Despite playing in front of big crowds in massive games against Fremantle and Hawthorn either side of the bye, Westhoff said the standard of performance should not be dependent on the size of the occasion.
"The good teams just rock up every week and just play that ruthless footy," Westhoff said.
"A few times this year we have not done that against Greater Western Sydney and today. That is something that we will address."
With the Demons in touch at three-quarter time and coming home with the breeze, Westhoff said Port needed to dig deep.
"The whole team needed to lift a little bit to get over the line. [When we] found ourselves behind early in the last quarter we went back to our run and what we go to [in order] to get over the line," Westhoff said.
He conceded Melbourne had given the Power a real fright.
"Absolutely. We knew we had to bring our best and we were far from that and still able to get the win. They will be a good side in a few years," Westhoff said.
Once again the bearded whippet stood up when the team needed him most.
And he was relieved.
"It was tough. We didn't want to win the way we did, but we've won the game now," Westhoff said.
