YOU NEVER quite know what you're going to get from Port Adelaide.

On Saturday, unfortunately for Essendon and its top-four hopes, you got the version that was exciting, energetic and efficient – the version that makes you think it can play finals.

POWER FIND THEIR SPARK Full match coverage and stats

Having struggled for so much of the last month, the Power – reinvigorated by the performances of youngsters Xavier Duursma and Connor Rozee – re-found their mojo.

The exciting duo fed off the forward craft and elite footy IQ of veteran Robbie Gray, who was also outstanding to inspire a 59-point victory that kept Port Adelaide's season alive.

Having lost four of its last five games going into the clash, the 19.12 (126) to 9.13 (67) win moved Port Adelaide level – momentarily, at least – with arch rivals Adelaide on nine wins.

It also ensured Essendon would have to fret over its position in the top eight for another week, with the Bombers handing their rivals the chance to close the gap this weekend.

WATCH Sit back and let Robbie entertain you

Both teams will now ride the rollercoaster of an exciting and unpredictable last three weeks.

Precocious talents Duursma and Rozee provided the swagger Port Adelaide played with throughout the match. Duursma finished with 26 disposals and unloaded one trademark arrow, while Rozee kicked 2.5 from 22 touches in a lively display of their potential.

They led from the example of Gray, who kicked four classy goals from 19 disposals, doing his damage early to set the tempo for Port Adelaide's performance.

Zach Merrett (31 disposals, one goal) and Dylan Shiel (30 disposals, one goal) were busy for Essendon, but the Dons could only lick their wounds after a bitterly disappointing display.

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Despite its fluctuating and frustrating run of form over the last five weeks, Port Adelaide had looked the more assured side throughout an entertaining and end-to-end first half.

Gray was at the heart of it all. He delivered two goals from set-shots in the opening term, before handing Cam Sutcliffe another on a plate with a classy pick-up moments later.

A third goal for Gray quickly followed. As did the boos from the Bombers faithful.

His off-the-ball bump on Orazio Fantasia, who was getting to his feet after a heavy collision, drew the ire of Essendon's supporters – and teammate Mason Redman.

After the Bombers had closed an early deficit, Redman's behind-play shove on Gray resulted in a 50m penalty right on the stroke of half-time. Travis Boak duly delivered, helping to extend Port Adelaide's handy advantage to 16 points at the main change.

Fantasia, meanwhile, joined a sorry-looking Essendon bench.

Aaron Francis was rotated from the field heavily after an early bump, Adam Saad was feeling his hamstring, while Darcy Parish was withdrawn due to concussion.

All of this after Shaun McKernan was ruled out prior to the game due to illness.

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It made closing on the Power difficult throughout a frustrating second half for the Bombers, as the visitors began to overrun and overpower their tiring opponents.

Port Adelaide kicked six unanswered goals on either side of three-quarter time, well and truly sticking a dagger into Essendon's hopes of an unlikely top-four berth.

Seemingly within an instant, the margin had ballooned to beyond nine goals – with the score line reflective of Port Adelaide's complete dominance and its timely return to form.

Essendon, meanwhile, was left going from dreaming of a potential double chance, to worrying about its spot in the top eight. Now just two games clear of Port Adelaide – and in the midst of a season that is proving anything is possible – both sides have it all to play for. 

MEDICAL ROOM
Essendon: Aaron Francis copped an early knock and received treatment throughout the first quarter, even heading down the race at one stage. However, he returned early in the second term. Darcy Parish was withdrawn in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the match after failing a concussion test, while Adam Saad felt his hamstring in the second term. Shaun McKernan had already been ruled out prior to the game due to illness.

Port Adelaide: Zak Butters copped a heavy hit to the chest in the first quarter, coming straight from the field as he was struggling to catch his breath. He sat out nearly an entire quarter, before eventually returning after half time. 

NEXT UP
Essendon returns to Marvel Stadium on Saturday night to face top-eight challenger the Western Bulldogs, while Port Adelaide heads home to the Adelaide Oval to host Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

Superstar basketballer Ben Simmons was having fun watching his Bombers. Picture: AFL Photos

ESSENDON             2.4     5.7     8.10       9.13 (67)
PORT ADELAIDE    5.2     8.5     14.9    19.12 (126)

GOALS
Essendon: Fantasia 2, Snelling 2, Stringer 2, Shiel, Merrett, Francis
Port Adelaide: R.Gray 4, Marshall 3, Rozee 2, Houston 2, Amon, S.Gray, Sutcliffe, Butters, Boak, Duursma, Ryder, Powell-Pepper

BEST
Essendon: Merrett, Shiel, Snelling, McKenna, Francis
Port Adelaide: Houston, Byrne-Jones, R.Gray, Duursma, Rozee, Rockliff, Powell-Pepper

INJURIES
Essendon: McKernan (illness) replaced in selected side by Hartley, Parish (concussion)
Port Adelaide: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stephens, Meredith, Williamson

Official crowd: 42,940 at Marvel Stadium