Tom Hislop and Heath Hocking have made pleasing returns from injury in a difficult day for Bendigo who were comprehensively beaten by a red hot Port Melbourne this afternoon.

Bendigo were again well in the game at half time trailing Port Melbourne by one goal going into the second half but a seven goal to one third quarter from Port set up a comfortable victory, with the final margin getting out to 85 points.

Hislop and Hocking will be better for the competitive hit out and were well supported today by Captain James Flaherty and Hayden Skipworth who have been two of the better performed players this season.

Bendigo now faces the Northern Bullants at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo next weekend as they try to keep alive their finals chances.

Final scores were Port Melbourne defeated Bendigo 23.12.150 to 8.17.65.