The Power led by as much as 50 points early in the third term, but the Roos kicked nine second-half goals to close to within three straight kicks in the final quarter.
Both sides had opportunities to add to their scores in the dying minutes, but the home side showed resilience to hold on to win 13.18 (96) to 12.10 (82).
Midfielder Kane Cornes responded to recent criticism over his place in the team with a dominant display.
The All-Australian onballer topped the possession count with 39, ahead of Travis Boak (24 possessions) and Steven Salopek (22 possessions).
Liam Anthony (26 possessions and 10 tackles) and Brady Rawlings (25) led the way for the visitors, while skipper Brent Harvey (three goals) and Hamish McIntosh (two goals) were also instrumental in the Roos’ late surge.
The Power’s four debutants all showed promise.
Livewire forward Cameron Hitchcock sparked his side with two goals in the first term, Mitch Banner racked up 18 touches and Jackson Trengove and Andrew Moore were handy in defence.
North Melbourne’s sole debutant Ryan Bastinac also impressed, finishing with 23 possessions.
Both sides were committed to the contest, with Dean Brogan (head knock), Travis Boak (nose), Jay Schulz (cut head) and Kangaroo Hamish McIntosh (wrist) all forced from the ground after separate, heavy knocks.
But it was the Power’s intensity and superior skills in the wet that guided them to victory.
Port Adelaide will now prepare for a trip to Subiaco to take on West Coast, while the Roos will play St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
Port Adelaide 5.4 10.10 11.15 13.18 (96)
North Melbourne 2.1 4.2 7.5 12.10 (82)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Hitchcock 2, Pearce 2, Ebert 2, Tredrea 2, Thomas, Cassisi, Westhoff, Banner, Davenport
North Melbourne: Harvey 3, Warren 2, Hale 2, Thomas 2, McIntosh 2, Adams
BEST
Port Adelaide: Hitchcock, Brogan, Kane Cornes, Cassisi, Boak, Ebert
North Melbourne: Harvey, Rawlings, Hansen, Ziebell
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Findlay, Avon
Official crowd: 21,205 at AAMI Stadium
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
