A slow start cost Port Adelaide a chance at consecutive wins, leading to a 46-point defeat to Central District.

The Bulldogs jumped the Magpies from the start, piling on six goals to none in the first quarter, which ultimately proved to be insurmountable for the visitors.

While it was a more contested affair after quarter time, the margin was too large to recover and saw Port Adelaide fall to a 10.4 (64) to 17.8 (110) loss in the Anzac Day clash.

Clouds covered X Convenience Oval on Friday as Central District overpowered Port Adelaide, leaving coach Hamish Hartlett disappointed his side couldn’t continue its winning form.

“[Central District] were the far better team for a bigger portion of the game than we were,” Hartlett said.

“They jumped us early… We were a step off it in the first quarter, and then we were playing catch up from quarter time onwards.”

Hartlett was also disappointed with his side’s ball movement, lamenting the skill errors that prevented the Magpies from threatening the result.

“There is some fundamental stuff that we need to continue to focus on and get right.

“There were some cough ups around the footy, but then some of our aerial contests down back weren’t to the level that they need to be at either.”

Defenders Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (10 disposals) and Ryan Burton (17) both made a successful return from respective back and hip injuries, albeit their comebacks couldn’t clamp Central’s constant attacks.

“I thought [Zerk-Thatcher] was okay… he got through the game well and was still competing hard right to the end,” Hartlett said.

Despite the loss, young key forward Jack Whitlock impressed with three goals and six marks, stamping himself as another young talent in Port Adelaide’s arsenal.

“[Whitlock]’s getting better and better every week. It’s only his fifth game of men’s footy… he’s starting to use his marking capabilities, his long reach, and he’s getting a bit more physical with his opponents too,” Hartlett praised.

Others amongst the Magpies’ best were midfielders Jack Watkins (31 disposals), Will Lorenz (23 disposals and a goal), and Hugh Jackson (19 disposals and five clearances).

Port Adelaide will look to redeem itself against Woodville-West Torrens next Saturday at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval at 12pm.

Central District   6.3      8.4       14.8     17.8 (110)
Port Adelaide      0.1     2.3       5.3       10.4 (64)

Goalkickers: Whitlock 3; Charleson, H. Ferrari, Linke, Lorenz, McEntee, Moore, Williams

Best: Whitlock, Weidemann, Watkins, Lorenz, Lai, Jackson