PORT Adelaide remains a game clear in the top eight after edging out the Brisbane Lions by nine points at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
The Power dominated general play and forward 50 entries but inaccuracy in front of goal left them scrapping for the 9.17 (71) to 9.8 (62) win.
Forward Jay Schulz kicked two goals in Port's precious win before 22,631 spectators.
Power captain Travis Boak (27 disposals) and Hamish Hartlett (26 touches) were influential in a victory which all but kills off the Lions' chances of making the finals.
The Lions are now three wins outside the top eight with five games remaining, but were brave in defeat.
The Lions were inspired by dynamic midfield duo Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff, who collected a game-high 28 possessions, while Dayne Zorko and captain Jonathan Brown booted two goals each.
But the Lions were unable to claw their way back from a four-point deficit at three-quarter time.
Port's Chad Wingard ended a remarkable stalemate in the last term - kicking a goal after nearly 16 scoreless minutes to give the Power breathing space.
It came after a contentious play on decision paid against Lion Daniel Merrett, which coach Michael Voss questioned after the match.
Port held sway early and led by 3.4 to 1.4 when Justin Westhoff kicked a goal after the quarter-time siren.
But the Lions' prolific ball-winner Daniel Rich led a rapid response, providing three goal assists as the Lions took a three-point lead 15 minutes into the second term.
Port then launched a challenge of its own as impressive youngster Ollie Wines and John Butcher scored majors within two minutes of each other for the Power to lead 5.9 to 4.5 at half-time.
The Lions, with Zorko scoring twice, booted five goals to three to creep within four points at the last change.
But despite kicking with a stiff breeze in the final term, the Lions were held goalless - registering just two points as Port relentlessly defended until Wingard's goal broke the deadlock.
Port meet home-town rival Adelaide next Sunday while the Lions host St Kilda on Saturday night.
Lion Brent Moloney is swamped by Port Adelaide players on Sunday. Photo: AFL Media.
PORT ADELAIDE 3.4 5.9 8.16 9.17 (71)
BRISBANE LIONS 1.4 4.5 9.6 9.8 (62)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Schulz 2, Moore, Mitchell, Wines, Westhoff, Butcher, Monfries, Wingard
Brisbane Lions: Brown, Zorko 2, Bewick, Crisp, Green, Merrett, Moloney
BEST
Port Adelaide: Boak, Hartlett, Moore, Schulz, Mitchell, Broadbent
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Leuenberger, Redden, Moloney, Golby, Adcock
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Nil
Brisbane Lions: Moloney (hamstring)
SUBSTITUTES
Port Adelaide: Sam Colquhoun replaced Dom Cassisi at three-quarter time
Brisbane Lions: Jack Crisp replaced Ashley McGrath at three-quarter time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Ryan, Schmitt
Official crowd: 22,631 at AAMI Stadium
