Chad Cornes addresses the team. Image: AFL Photos.

Port Adelaide’s players and coaches have described Saturday night’s performance against Collingwood as embarrassing during a strong discussion in the team review.

Speaking to Adelaide media on Monday, assistant coach Chad Cornes said the side was not proud of the showing and was now focussed on being physical and ruthless this week against Richmond.

The Power hosts the Tigers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday in its first home game of the season.

Cornes also discussed the players’ reaction to the Round 1 result, Esava Ratugolea’s return from injury through the SANFL and how vice-captain Zak Butters is tracking after resuming running.

Chad Cornes on the team’s review of Saturday night’s performance:

“We had a good discussion in our review. Everyone is really disappointed. Embarrassed was a word that a lot of the players brought up, coaches as well. (It’s) definitely not a performance we're proud of or can accept.

“We definitely didn't compete at the required level, that's for sure. Some of the vision’s not great. Obviously, it was pretty evident. Even late in the first quarter, it wasn't where it needed to be, and we couldn't get that back to the level that we normally produce. So, coming to compete at our level, for some reason, wasn't there from the start, and that's the only focus going forward to this week.”

Chad Cornes on why the side was so disappointing:

“I'm not sure the reason for it. We thought we're in a good spot going in. I can't pinpoint why it looked that way, but the focus now, like I said, is only about how we compete this weekend coming.

“We've had a few of these performances over the last few years, and normally this group responds really well. (It’s) obviously disappointing for it to happen in round one but the thing I love most about this group, they do respond.”

Port Adelaide faces Richmond on Saturday. Image: AFL Photos.

Chad Cornes on how the players have reacted since Saturday night:

“It's hard for them sometimes to identify in game, you know, what's not working, and giving feedback to each other in game. That's something that we're really working on, trying to improve, getting that shift in-game straight away and not waiting for a break or waiting for these type of reviews. But, the leaders we met with first, before the team meeting, and they took a lot of responsibility for it. It was everyone. I’m not sure there's one player that walks away thinking they're happy with how that game went. Coaches, players all together, we need to be better.”

Chad Cornes on whether there was any sign the side wasn’t fully prepared for the Round 1 match:

“We thought our pre-season had been strong, albeit, you know, the Crows game was similar to this one. You had the okay performance against St Kilda, but two out of three games (this year) haven't been at the level that we needed to be. And it's all about being more competitive, more ruthless, tougher. There wasn't one part of the game we could walk away thinking we'd performed well. To Collingwood’s credit, they were really good.”

Esava Ratugolea featured in Sunday's SANFL match, with Cornes saying the defender felt "really, really good." Image: AFL Photos.

Chad Cornes on the media backlash to Saturday night’s loss:

“I've made a pact this year not to listen to anything or watch anything, because it just takes your mind off what's more important. And the only thing is important about is in here and what we speak about our values in here, people will say what they want, but all that matters is how we come out and perform next weekend now. People will have their opinions, rightly so, they can and after a performance like that, you expect a lot of criticism, but I wouldn't know what they are.

“I try to tell a lot of our players, there is no good in listening to the media, reading social media. I think it does a lot more harm than good, so I try and give them that advice. But most young people these days are all over it, so it's hard to avoid.”

Chad Cornes on whether his side can take a leaf out of Richmond’s book following the Tigers’ performance last week against Carlton:

“I don’t know if we need to take a leaf from their book. We've got our oppo meeting this afternoon so we're really starting to dig into Richmond. This morning's been all about reviewing Collingwood, but they're up and about and good on them. From what I saw, they played with great energy, you know, great contest. And like I said at the start, all we are worried about is how we come to compete, and how physical and ruthless we’ll be this weekend.”

Zak Butters returned to running this week. Image: AFL Photos.

Chad Cornes on Esava Ratugolea’s return from injury in Sunday’s SANFL trial match:

“He played more yesterday than was initially planned. I think he ended up playing three quarters and was only meant to play two. He felt really, really good. But obviously that's his first hit-out back for quite some time. Whether he's ready to come in, I'm not sure, but it'll be discussed.”

Chad Cornes on Zak Butters returning to running on Monday:

“He's going well. Like I said a few weeks ago, if anyone gets back quicker than expected, it'll be him. He's doing everything right, and he was as disappointed as anyone else watching on Saturday night.

“I'm not saying he's coming back this week. Whenever he does that'll give us a big boost. But still, those guys that get picked need to perform a lot better than we did.

“It's great that his rehabs going into plan. He's desperate to be back out there so when that day comes, it'll give us a little kick for sure.”