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Giants down Port Adelaide despite late surge

Greater Western Sydney has held off a fast-finishing Port Adelaide for a plucky 22-point win to rise to sixth on the AFL ladder.

The Giants banked a sixth win from seven games, holding their nerve for a 11.14 (80) to 8.10 (58) victory at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

"We understand it was a huge result for our footy club," Giants coach Leon Cameron said.

"It made us very proud."

Port blew a chance to rise into the top four: after scoring the opening goal, they conceded the next five.

The Power were wasteful as the Giants, propelled by Jacob Hopper (two goals), Callan Ward (29 touches), Josh Kelly (30 disposals) and Lachie Whitfield, streeted to a 34 point lead 22 minutes into the third quarter.

But Port's Charlie Dixon triggered an unheralded comeback, kicking three goals in 10 minutes while Robbie Gray (two goals) scored another.

Midway into the final quarter, the Power were within nine points.

Power forward Chad Wingard had the chance to bring them closer but missed an attempt from a contentious deliberate free kick against Giant backman Heath Shaw.

Wingard's attempt was accurate but touched by Giant Phil Davis -- who, Port boss Hinkley said, was standing the mark just "three metres" away.

"The rules would say, I think, you have to be 10 metres (away)," Hinkley said.

"I thought Phil was very close ... it was a big moment, wasn't it, for us."

After the reprieve, the Giants rallied with steadying goals to Adam Tomlinson and Zac Langdon to secure a deserved triumph.

GWS forwards Harry Himmelberg and Toby Greene slotted two goals each, as did the outstanding Hopper, who also gathered 28 possessions. Whitfield collected a game-high 31 touches.

Fellow onballers Stephen Coniglio (25 disposals, one goal) and Dylan Shiel (23 possessions) were also prominent while Shaw (28 touches) and his fellow defenders controlled Port's attack until Dixon broke loose.

The Power forward had started in the ruck in the absence of injured All Australian Paddy Ryder (hip).

But Hinkley swung Dixon into attack when the Power's plight became mighty -- almost six goals down in the third term.

Port vice-captain Ollie Wines (29 disposals) battled gamely and teammate Jared Polec (29 touches, six inside 50s) was a standout from a wing.

But they couldn't prevent Port slipping to consecutive losses -- they retain fifth spot but are now only two premiership points ahead of the Giants and just a win ahead of ninth-placed Geelong.