Essendon saw former star Patrick Ryder return to haunt them at Etihad Stadium as he kicked three late goals to give Port Adelaide a 13-point victory.
Ryder was booed by Bombers fans in his first game against them since he moved to the Power last year.
Ryder was booed by Bombers fans in his first game against them since he moved to the Power last year.
The crowd had some satisfaction in seeing him kept quiet in the first half, but his three final-term goals proved the difference as Port Adelaide secured just their second win in six matches to keep alive their slim finals hopes.
Though he didn't kick his first goal of the night until six minutes into the third quarter, Ryder finished with a game-high four majors.
There was ultimately no reward for Essendon's efforts in the game, which saw them have 100 more possessions than the visitors going into the final change and finish with 17 goals - their best haul since Round 8.
Their lowest ever home crowd at Etihad Stadium saw them slump to a seventh defeat in eight games.
Skipper Travis Boak led from the front with 28 disposals and three tackles, while ruckman Matthew Lobbe had 46 hit-outs.
Ryder broke the deadlock when he kicked his first goal of the fourth quarter, and he followed that with a classy snap from 45m out a minute later.
He booted another goal from a 30m set shot and when Jay Schulz then added another it pushed the Power's lead out to a decisive 21 points.
Coach Ken Hinkley was encouraged by the win, saying: "I'm really pleased for the boys; they've stuck pretty tough and it's been a pretty hard time for the footy club. They've never let me down once."
He added: "We've still got lots and lots of things to work on. Our last month has been pretty competitive but some of the stuff we've done at times has hurt us badly."
Also in the AFL next weekend, Carlton are 17/4 to beat North Melbourne who are 1/6.
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