PORT MELBOURNE consolidated its standing as VFL premiership favourite in style yesterday, dismantling Werribee by 74 points, 20.10 (130) to 6.20 (56), in the first qualifying final.

Buoyed by the return from injury of its captain Luke Cotchett, Port played accountable, attacking football and had Werribee under pressure from the outset to lead by 25 points at quarter-time.

Although well behind on the scoreboard, Werribee was very much in the game for three quarters but squandered numerous opportunities in front of goal.

"Our continual pressure was very good, especially down back. It was so great that it was almost perceived at times," said Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres. "Considering we won by 70-odd-points in a final, I'd say we did a pretty good job."

Port's pressure forced Werribee to spray a number of shots, some from well inside 50, including a terrible set shot from Scot Howard who missed from just 15 metres, directly in front of goal in the third quarter. Ryan McMahon was a particularly fine exponent of Port's close checking game plan, laying an incredible 14 tackles.

Where Werribee wasted scoring opportunities, Port capitalised with four goals to forward-pocket Jonathan Mullins, while Cotchett and veteran David Pitt each chipped in for three majors.

Although quick to praise the efforts of his entire side, Ayres did nominate John Baird (37 possessions) as the oil that greased Port's rampaging machine.

Werribee will now face Casey in next week's first semi-final.

At Ballarat, North Ballarat overcame numerous challenges from Williamstown to win their second qualifying final by 20 points.

Beaten just once at home this year, North Ballarat found the going tough against a classy Williamstown, the lead see-sawing until half-way through the third quarter when North Ballarat was able to steal some breathing space and kick out to a four-goal lead.

Williamstown will now face Frankston in the second semi-final next week, with the winner of that game to take on Port Melbourne in a fortnight.