After dominating the first quarter, Port lost momentum in the second when Charlie Dixon handed Daniel Rich a 100-metre penalty and goal, the Lions going on to kick six for the term and leading by 18 just before the long break.
However, the big Power forward made up for his error somewhat with a goal on the half-time siren that gave his side some belief, manifested by an eight-goal-to-one third quarter.
Port kicked 13.9 to 3.3 after half-time, dominating the second half with 205-110 disposals (405-263 for the game), 37-15 inside 50s (65-40) and 71-44 contested possessions (150-117).
The rout continued in the final term as the home team romped away to the 54-point win.
Sharp-shooter Todd Marshall starred up forward with four goals while Junior Rioli, Lachie Jones and Dixon all grabbed three each for Port, while Jack Gunston and Zac Bailey got two apiece for Brisbane.
Lions half-back Daniel Rich had 26 touches with a game-high 1,010 metres gained but he was a lone hand in a disappointing display from last season's preliminary finalists.
Brisbane booted seven of eight goals to open up their three-goal buffer after Port failed to capitalise on their first-quarter domination, but Charlie Dixon's major on the half-time siren kept the Power in touch.
The Lions were well served by their off-season additions, Josh Dunkley in particular looking strong through the midfield with a game-high clearance count, while Will Ashcroft also had his moments.
PORT ADELAIDE 3.5 5.9 13.13 18.18 (126)
BRISBANE 2.1 8.3 9.5 11.6 (72)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Marshall 4, Rioli 3, Dixon 3, Jones 3, Wines, Rozee, Powell-Pepper, Horne-Francis, Georgiades
Brisbane: Bailey 2, Gunston 2, Rich, McKenna, McInerney, McCarthy, Hipwood, Daniher, Ashcroft
