Star midfielder Daniel Kerr was the hero as West Coast escaped with a five-point win over Port Adelaide in Saturday’s AFL pre-season clash in Mandurah.

The Eagles looked to have the game in the bag when midfielder Chris Masten put the home side ahead by 18 points midway through the final quarter.

However, two quick goals to John McCarthy and Mitch Banner snap gave the Power a one-point lead with just two minutes remaining.

But Kerr, making his first appearance of 2012 after overcoming finger surgery, swung the game back West Coast’s way after chasing down Cameron O’Shea in the Eagles’ forward line.

Kerr’s attempt on goal from 30m out wasn’t pretty, but the helicopter kick sailed through to give West Coast the 1.12.11 (92) to 1.12.6 (87) win.

An inexperienced Port Adelaide line-up, minus big guns David Rodan, Jay Schulz, Jacob Surjan, Danyle Pearce, Domenic Cassisi and former Eagle Brad Ebert, fought valiantly and were well led by young forward John Butcher (five goals).

But the Power fell just short despite their late fightback.

West Coast will be guaranteed a spot in the pre-season grand final should they defeat St Kilda next week.

Kerr, playing his first match of 2012, tallied 20 disposals and booted two goals after being brought on midway through the second quarter.

Ruckman Dean Cox was also influential, while Chris Masten (25 disposals) looked cleaner with his disposals than he has in previous years.

Butcher showcased his potential with 11 goals in four games last year, and proved it wasn’t a fluke with a polished game against West Coast.

The 20-year-old looked dangerous every time he went near the ball, and dragged Port Adelaide back into the match after the Eagles had shot out to a 33-1 lead early on.

Key West Coast players Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui, Andrew Embley, Beau Waters, Mitch Brown, Adam Selwood and Sam Butler are in line to return against St Kilda next week.

But Eagles midfielder Luke Shuey, who missed the match against Port with a rolled ankle, is in doubt to face the Saints.

West Coast were dominant early, but their wayward kicking combined with Butcher’s effectiveness up forward for Port allowed the visitors to claw their way back into the contest.

Butcher’s four first-half goals reduced the margin to seven points at the long break, and it took West Coast all of their might to get over the line at the death.

West Coast young gun Jacob Brennan is likely to come under strife for his head-high bump on Port’s John McCarthy.