While Lauren Arnell lamented her side’s slow start on Tuesday night at Ikon Park, the Port Adelaide senior coach said the response after half time was a real positive.
In its 21-point loss to Richmond, the Power restricted the Tigers to just two goals after the main break, but a four-goal first half hurt the visitors early.
“We would like to start our games better,” Arnell said after the match.
“We've had two pretty slow starts against North a few days ago at Whitten Oval and again tonight against – particularly Richmond's midfield – which is pretty dynamic and they hurt us early.
“They were cleaner at ground level and they went really fast on turnover so there's a little bit of tidying up ground ball (needed for us). They've got some really classy players in there, particularly Conti and McKenzie.”
The improvement after half time was evident, with Port Adelaide pushing itself in offence, and eventually winning the inside 50 count 37-30.
It was Richmond’s execution that prevailed however, and despite some inaccuracy around goals, the Tigers outscored the Power 6.12 (48) to 3.9 (27).
“Again, our ability to respond, which I really don't think we’ve had in our first two years of being a team…we've got to keep addressing that with the group around our ability to start when the game starts and not allow them to get the jump on us,” Arnell said.
“Out of respect to North in particular, and Richmond tonight, they played some pretty good footy so it’s not like we’re simply not turning up, we've got some good sides coming at us and we let them get the jump.”
Two positives for Arnell from the mid-week battle in Melbourne were young defender Alissa Brook’s debut game, as well as experienced forward Gemma Houghton finding form.
“(Alissa’s) an 18-year-old kid who was our last draft pick last year and she's just got real inner confidence about her,” Arnell said.
“We've been working with her around how she remains in contest and gets her opponent done in different ways…I think the patience that she's had and the openness to feedback has been really positive and we saw some really good contest from her tonight.
“Gem was disappointed with her game against North and obviously conditions haven't suited.
“(I was) really pleased for Gem to impact, not just offensively, but she did a fair bit of work off the ball too, which is crucial for her role. We're pleased with how she responded and I'm sure she will be too.”
Port Adelaide next takes on Carlton on Sunday at Alberton Oval from 4:35pm ACST. Tickets are still available for the match.
