The lead changed half a dozen times in the latter stages of the game with both sides having their opportunities to claim the win, despite the Magpies narrowly heading the competition-leading Roosters at half and three-quarter time.
The Magpies narrowly lead at both half time and three-quarter time, but in a tight final quarter where both sides worked hard to snatch the win, neither could come away with it.
Unable to withstand the early pressure, the Academy conceded the opening three goals to North Adelaide and wilted into making key skill errors.
Wilting early, the Magpies conceded a number of free kicks to the home side, but a big grab from Jonathon Ross in the goal square led to the first Magpies goal 15 minutes into the quarter.
That goal steadied the visitors and another goal to Ross closed the deficit to 13 points at quarter time.
The game was all in the hands of the Academy in the second term, stepping up to the plate and seizing the lead thanks to hard tackling and stoppage wins.
James Deeley-Godfrey, Tom Corcoran and Tom Gray led in defence and made it difficult for the Roosters' forwards to move.
The heightened pressure stopped North from making the most of its chances in the second term and thanks in part to Sam Gordon's two goals, the Magpies were able to take a three-point advantage into the main break.
The lead continued to change hands in the second half as each side desperately searched for an edge.
The ball remained in Port Adelaide's forward 50 within the final two minutes but couldn't find the chance it needed to secure another win for 2014.
Academy coach Jacob Surjan told portadelaidefc.com.au he was disappointed his charges were unable to snare the win.
But he praised the improvement his side showed against the Roosters.
"The boys really fought well today, it was a fantastic game," Surjan said.
"We just need to take our opportunities when they come to us, but the boys played really well as a team and worked really hard, so it's a good step moving forward for us.
"They [North Adelaide] beat us by nearly 40 points in that first game we played against, so the improvement within the group over the past eight weeks has been really big.
"If they keep improving like they are, then it will get better and be a positive season for them."
The Academy plays against Glenelg at the bay next week where Surjan will use Saturday's draw as motivation to get a win.
"The boys feel like it's another one that they just let slip and when you finish with a draw it gives you an uneasy feeling," Surjan said.
"We will move forward and hopefully play the same style of football next week, but hold on to get a win."
SCOREBOARD
PORT ADELAIDE 2.2 7.5 13.5 14.7 (91)
NORTH ADELAIDE 4.3 6.8 11.11 13.13 (91)
portadelaidefc.com.au’s best
Sawford, T Gray, D Butcher, Northeast, Gordon, Haarsma
Goals
Ross, Sawford 3, Masters, Gordon, Prior 2, Beioley, Deeley-Godfrey
Injuries
TBC
