1. Inaccuracy in front of goal will come back to haunt you
In round one against Norwood, Port's accuracy in front of goal could not be faulted.
But against Adelaide's SANFL side, it was the complete opposite.
The Magpies and the Crows had six scoring shots apiece by quarter time.
But Adelaide had the 11-point advantage because it was able to put the ball through the big sticks more often than not. Behinds were scored from as close as 20m out and, during its dominant display in the third quarter, it stopped the Magpies from inflicting any real scoreboard pressure on its rivals.
2. Young defenders show glimpses of promise
Port's defence was a youthful one on Sunday against Adelaide's SANFL side but, led by contracted player Tom Corcoran and new AFL draftee Riley Bonner, there were promising signs for the future.
Playing his first league game for Port after overcoming a hamstring injury, Bonner collected 20 disposals, four defensive rebounds and took five marks. The youngster worked hard to create some run off half back and will only get better the more games he gets under his belt.
Bonner was aided by contracted player Tom Corcoran who worked equally as hard in defence. Corcoran finished the match with 19 disposals, five marks and four defensive rebounds.
3.There is such thing as honour in defeat and the young Port Adelaide side showed it on Sunday
The 30-point final margin may seem like a hefty scoreline, but the Magpies bravely took it up to a more experienced Adelaide lineup. Mid-way through the second quarter, the chips were down and the Crows led by a game-high 26 points.
Rather than falling away, Port Adelaide worked its way back into the contest and took the game on. The Magpies dominated the third quarter and won the hard ball gets, eventually getting out to a 15-point lead. In the end, it was Adelaide's experienced, superior midfield that lifted, that eventually won the game.
4. Ruck proved an issue for Port against the Crows
Jonathon Ross's work rate and attack on the football could not be faulted. But there's no denying Port was undermanned in the ruck department. With Dougal Howard receiving an AFL call-up, Ross was left to shoulder the ruck for most of the game.
Coach Chad Cornes admitted after the match he was forced to push John Butcher into the ruck contest because Ross, at 188cm, was being beaten by Rlley O'Brien who stood at 208cm and the more experienced Luke Lowden (206cm).
The Crows finished with a total of 57 hit-outs compared to Port's 19. It was an issue of concern for Cornes, but Port's SANFL mentor conceded not much more could have been asked of Ross who battled hard, but lacked experience.
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