FITNESS is the key for the Krak.

Port Adelaide utility Nathan Krakouer produced a stellar performance against South Adelaide on Friday night in a demonstration of the hard work he’s done over the pre-season.

Krakouer played an important role up forward in the Magpies' 66-point win over the Panthers, and made an impact with his slick ball movement, and near-perfect positioning and reading of the play.

He finished with 23 disposals, six clearances and five marks, while also getting his name on the scoresheet after booting two goals and setting up his fair share of majors as well.

One of those included using his pace to side-step his defender and handball to Tom Logan who finished off late in the final term.

Krakouer was more pleased with the team's performance than his own when he spoke to portadelaidefc.com.au after the match, admitting it was nice to finally be playing for premiership points after a gruelling pre-season.

That 11-goal win started the Magpies on their road to redemption after last year's grand final loss.

"It was a long pre-season, so it was good to play an opposition for points," Krakouer said.

"Luckily enough for us we stuck to our structures and our game plan, put the pressure on South Adelaide and got away with the win.”

Defence will again play a big part in Port Adelaide’s SANFL season, with Krakouer crediting it for the Magpies’ strong performance on Friday night.

"All offence comes from a good defence and we set up well and shut down their kicking game and our ball movement off that was good," he said.

Krakouer pointed to increased fitness levels, helped by the pre-season training camp in Dubai, for his rapid improvement.

"Last year I probably wasn't running around like I was against South Adelaide tonight," he said.

"So I knew the main thing I had to work on was my fitness and it's worked so far."

The 26-year-old, who played with Port Adelaide's SANFL side as a contracted player in 2014, was awarded a spot on the AFL-side's rookie list this year.

But while Friday night’s performance is a good start, Port Adelaide SANFL coach Gary Hocking said Krakouer needed to string a few more consistent state league games under his belt before selectors gave him an opportunity for a senior list upgrade.

"He's getting better every week he plays," Hocking said.

"He is talented enough to play at AFL level, but he has some work to do on his fitness, so we will keep reviewing it."