WHILE Sunday's three-point win was a fairytale final match for retiring Port Adelaide veteran Dom Cassisi, it confirmed his decision to hang up his boots was the right one.

Cassisi announced last Thursday that the Power's match against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval would be his last, ending a 14-year career that began when he was taken at pick No. 50 by the Power in the 2000 AFL Draft.

"I was cramping up at the end of the first quarter," he said.

"I found it tough towards the end, there's no doubt about that, it sort of confirmed in my mind that the game has gone past me and I'm battling … can't play four quarters of good footy.

"I think you've just got to be a bit honest with yourself. I've just felt a bit uncomfortable out there the last three, four games that I've played – you just can't get away with that at this level.

"I leave the game happy; I wouldn't change anything."

The fairytale was complete for Cassisi when spearhead forward Jay Schulz marked inside 50 on a tight angle with just a few minutes remaining.

Port trailed by three points when Schulz marked and goaled, sealing a memorable win.

Cassisi said he had full confidence in Schulz, who leads the race for this year's Coleman Medal with 52 majors.

"He finishes his work, which is just so important in this game, and it's just great leadership really, when we know he's got the ball in his hands, no matter what time of the game, he's a great chance to kick the goal," he said.

"He did it again today."

Sunday's victory will prove memorable for Cassisi, but it was hardly the type that suggested the Power were back to their best as the run to the finals heats up.