PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams said Friday night's 53-point win over St Kilda was made more significant by the fact most of it was achieved without Michael Wilson, arguably the club's toughest nut.

Wilson tore his pectoral muscle in the first quarter at AAMI Stadium and took no further part in the match.

"It was always going to be tough in those conditions and losing Michael Wilson, one of our toughest players and best contributors made it difficult, so to get that result we were really pleased," Williams said.

"The back six were excellent, the midfield persisted and got into it after half-time, and the forwards were outstanding, holding the ball in and playing the way we wanted them to play."