GIANTS coach Leon Cameron has commended his players for holding their nerve and finding a way to win an "absolute slog-fest" against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

The GIANTS led for the entire game but struggled to kick clear of the Power, eventually holding on to win by one point despite having fewer disposals, clearances and inside 50s.

While Jeremy Cameron kicked the opening goal in under a minute, the game quickly developed into a tense, low-scoring affair.

Cameron praised his side for keeping its cool even when the Power made a late charge in the final term.

"It was just an absolute slog-fest. There was probably some ugly footy in there," Cameron said.

"But in the end, the great thing is we found a way to get over the line.

"It was a good, gusty win."

The injury-plagued GIANTS have had to cope recently without star midfielders Josh Kelly, Stephen Conglio and Callan Ward, and Cameron said it was the younger players who stood up in their absence.

"We've got probably six or seven of our starting 22 that are on the sidelines at the moment," Cameron said.

"Jackson Hately kicked a vital goal. Bobby Hill, who was probably a little bit quiet in the first three quarters, really came to life.

"When you see those sort of signs happening, it means (those young players) are developing well."

Cameron also praised his experienced defenders for standing up when the game was on the line.

"I thought (Nick) Haynes and (Phil) Davis were just outstanding in the air. We probably had to win that way," Cameron said.

"I thought Heath Shaw in his 300th, his leg speed and ability to win big contests was super as well.

"Scoring was tough so defence dominated from both ends."

Defender Sam Taylor came off with a leg injury in the second term and sat out the rest of the game, but Cameron said he was just a bit tight in his hamstring and he hoped it was only minor.

Cameron said veteran Brett Deledio was likely to return next week and added there were a number of players putting their hands up in the NEAFL.

"Aiden Bonar is knocking the door down. Our NEAFL team plays tomorrow and Jake Stein was really unlucky to go out … so there's a number of players just starting to put their hand up which is pleasing," Cameron said.

"We'll start to get a couple of players back in the next week or two. It would be handy to get that squad back up to 40 (players) to pick from."