THE OLD saying about "bad game, great moment" was revived at AAMI Stadium last night as North Melbourne stole a gripping two-point win from Port Adelaide.

Lindsay Thomas, who had a shocking night kicking for goal, was tackled by two opponents five metres from goal, fell and snapped a goal to give the Kangaroos a nine-point lead as time-on began.

But the jubilation was short-lived when Michael Firrito gave away a foolish and obvious free to give Port a goal, and with just 26 seconds left, Port captain Warren Tredrea marked on an acute angle but only 20 metres out.

He, too, had experienced a bad night, and this was his great moment; a big chance to win the game and be the hero. But Tredrea missed and his heart and confidence sank.

In the wash-up of this game of changing fortunes, and for the most part abysmal skills but tenacity, Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams had to accept the reality that his side no longer knows how to win, while his counterpart Dean Laidley was left pondering whether a final-eight position remained a reality.

Both coaches were generally frustrated by their forwards, who struggled to kick crucial goals, wasted opportunities and generally poor disposals, but it was Laidley who was able to thank his players for their incredible endeavour that ultimately gave North a deserving victory.

Significantly, Williams started Tredrea on the bench at the start of the second half, while Laidley had his forward gun Nathan Thompson in the backlines.

It was a game where players had opportunities to make their mark and some failed.

Nathan Lonie may have saved his AFL career — for now — with two terrific goals on the run, but it is probably over for a disappointing Damon White, who went off in the third term of the match with a hamstring strain.

Making the most of their chances were Daniel Harris, who had been put on notice by his coach during the week, and Ben Ross, just 19 and playing his second game, standing tall in his moment of truth.

Ross added spark to the tough in-close battles, while Todd Goldstein, 20, and 201 centimetres, competed well in his AFL debut against Port's experienced and capable Dean Brogan.

And, of course, it wouldn't be a North win without the heroics of seasoned campaigners Brent Harvey and Adam Simpson.

Perhaps the surprising thing was that Port had so many negatives in its game, including an average performance by Shaun Burgoyne before limping off with a right knee injury early in the last quarter, yet lost by only a kick. Chad Cornes picked up 30 disposals, but most went astray.

The Power kept itself in the game with gritty efforts yet again from the likes of David Rodan and Kane Cornes. Port has now lost six games by two goals or less, and once more squandered a three-quarter time lead.

This was North's fourth win by seven points or less — plus a draw — which is merely further evidence of its incredible will to battle in tight situations.

Whether the Kangaroos are genuine finalists remains to be seen, but they will need to lift in the forward lines. Too often they attacked without method, but again credit must be given for persisting until the bitter end.

For most part, North looked the likely winner. It seemed to have Port's edge, especially coming home with the wind. It became a blur when Tredrea stood there deep in the right pocket trying to decide whether to pass off, or have a difficult shot that he has got most times throughout his marvellous career.

Sadly for him, the magic wasn't there.

Whether it returns remains to be seen.

NORTH MELBOURNE 4.6 6.10 7.13 10.16 (76)
PORT ADELAIDE 4.3 5.7 9.11 10.14 (74)

GOALS North Melbourne: McMahon 2, Thompson, Simpson, Petrie, Pratt, Wells, Hale, Thomas, Ross. Port Adelaide: Ebert 3, Lonie 2, S Burgoyne, Bentley, Thomson, Westhoff, Motlop.

BEST North Melbourne: Harvey, Simpson, Pratt, Harris, Ross, Petrie. Port Adelaide: Rodan, K Cornes, Cassisi, Brogan, Pearce, Chaplin.

INJURIES Port Adelaide: White (hamstring), S Burgoyne (right knee).

REPORTS Nil

UMPIRES Kennedy, Ryan, Nicholls

CROWD 19,851 at AAMI Stadium

THE UPSHOT The Kangaroos have edged to within a win of the top eight. The test comes against Collingwood on Friday night.

TALKING POINT Warren Tredrea's casual left-foot snap from an acute angle that missed — and cost Port the game. Does he deserve his spot?

HOT AND COLD Daniel Harris answered his coach's call and produced a fine game; Port's forward line chilled out.