The Lions, who haven't played in September since losing the 2004 grand final, now sit just percentage off fourth spot after Hawthorn toppling Collingwood on Saturday night. Adelaide, in fourth at the start of round 16, faces St Kilda on Sunday.
The Lions have hovered around the bottom half of the top eight for the best part of the season, but Power said his side’s grinding win at a wet Subiaco Oval could set their season up.
"It's massive – Collingwood got done by the Hawks tonight, so that helps, and St Kilda plays Adelaide tomorrow. If they (St Kilda) can get up, then we're equal fourth," he said.
"It does set you up, and any win over at Subiaco is a good win.
"We had to contest it, we had to fight it out, and that's what we did."
Sore but still smiling, Power said the combination of wild weather and a Fremantle side fresh off an embarrassing defeat made for a dogfight under the Subiaco lights.
"The conditions made it a very, very even game and Freo's intensity and attack on the ball was fantastic," he said.
"We knew with the weather it was going to be pretty wet and windy, and we knew that we came here for a fight. That's what Freo got us into.
"We're pretty sore and battered, but in a game like this it's a different kind of soreness, it's a contact soreness."
While Power iced his shoulder, a buoyant Daniel Rich chatted with hometown friends after a starring role in his home state.
After collecting 31 possessions, 12 clearances and kicking a super goal, Rich earned high praise from his coach, and Power followed suit.
"He's a ripper and he was good again tonight," Power said of the 19-year-old.
"He just continues to grow and he won his contested footy tonight; he's a great little player."
After winning two senior premierships with WAFL side Subiaco, Power said Rich had come into the Lions' midfield and had an immediate impact.
"He's very crucial; it's an area that we were a little bit deficient in over the last few years. He's come in and given us great depth,” Power said.
"He's a young player and he not only uses the ball well, he gives great direction in there."
