North Melbourne has been defeated by 69 points in Hobart, outmuscled by a slick and mature Port Adelaide team.

After an early Power surge, the Roos kept the margin steady throughout the game, and trailed by only 32 points at the last change, but they were worn down in the last term.

Despite missing skipper Tom Jonas in defence due to health and safety protocols, the Power pocketed their fourth straight victory on the back of a six-goal-to-one first quarter.

Tall forwards Mitch Georgiades (three goals), Todd Marshall (three) and Jeremy Finlayson (two) did the damage in the 17.13 (115) to 6.10 (46) result on Saturday afternoon.

Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines was outstanding, picking up a game-high 32 touches, two goals, nine clearances and two goals assists.

KANGAROOS v POWER Full match coverage and stats

The Kangaroos have slumped to their seventh loss in a row after a week in which they made headlines for the wrong reasons.

It was revealed coach David Noble issued an apology to his players for delivering a stern post-match address after their heavy 108-point loss to Brisbane in round three.

North Melbourne copped a big blow pre-game, with midfield gun Jy Simpkin ruled out late with a hamstring problem.

It didn't get much better early on, as Port Adelaide dominated contested possession to race to a 41-6 lead at quarter-time.

North Melbourne won the second quarter 16-15 and could have been in a better position on the scoreboard if not for simple misses by Jaidyn Stephenson and Tarryn Thomas in front of goal.

Cameron Zurhaar (three goals) was a bright spark for the Kangaroos, with three majors for the match, including a brace in a tightly fought third quarter in which both sides kicked two goals.

Port Adelaide, who are on the rise after a horror 0-5 start to the season, pulled away with a run of five goals early in the final term.

The Power play Geelong on the road next round, while North Melbourne faces a massive challenge against undefeated reigning premier Melbourne.

Jed Anderson is inching closer to his best

Having missed the first seven rounds of the season, the 28-year-old was eased back into life at the elite level against Fremantle, deployed on a forward flank for most of the match.

On Saturday afternoon, the hard-nosed midfielder was thrown into the contest and instantly appeared as though he felt at home.

Anderson won the pill on the ground, dished it out to teammates and dealt out bumps in the manner North Melbourne fans have come to expect. Tough, but fair.

He ran out the game with 26 disposals, four inside 50s and two clearances from the heart of the contest.

Going into Round 10, he could be joined by Jy Simpkin (a late withdrawal due to hamstring tightness), Jason Horne-Francis and Hugh Greenwood.

It’s been a disjointed start to the season, but the gathering depth will give the onballers a chance to showcase their unique traits, and build chemistry and momentum as the campaign wears on.

The ‘Bull’ is on the charge

Last season, Cam Zurhaar didn’t register a goal until Round 7, but stormed home to finish with a career-best 31, second only to Nick Larkey at the club.

This time around he had to wait until Round 4, but a similar pattern is emerging. Zurhaar has kicked at least one goal in each of his last five games, for a tally of 11 in eight games.

His three against Port Adelaide in Hobart on Saturday were demonstrative of the threat he poses to defenders who can’t necessarily canvass both his height and mobility.

The No. 44 was first infringed as he went for the ball and kicked truly from his set shot, and later guided through two snaps in live play as defenders closed him down.

His strength and agility lend him an aura of unpredictability, and having been given the licence to thrill, Zurhaar has confidence on tap.

How he combines with Nick Larkey, wily veteran Jack Ziebell and raw prospect Charlie Comben over coming seasons will pose opposing defenders many a headache.

North Melbourne       1.3   3.7     5.9     6.10     (46)
Port Adelaide              6.5   8.8   10.11  17.13   (115)

Goals
North Melbourne: Zurhaar 3, Larkey, Powell, Thomas
Port Adelaide: Georgiades, Marshall 3, Duursma, Finlayson, Motlop, Wines 2, Byrne-Jones, Farrell, Powell-Pepper

BEST
North Melbourne: Zurhaar, Davies-Uniacke, Anderson
Port Adelaide: Wines, Powell-Pepper, Rozee, Amon

INJURIES
North Melbourne: None
Port Adelaide: None

LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne: Jy Simpkin replaced in selected side by Kyron Hayden
Port Adelaide: None

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Charlie Lazzaro (unused)
Port Adelaide: Orazio Fantasia (unused)