The Magpies were outclassed for much of the first half and were never able to break the home side's defensive pressure despite showing late improvement, eventually going down by 19 points.
Hocking told portadelaidefc.com.au he was disappointed with the Pies' slow start, which saw the reigning premiers lead by 20 points at quarter time.
"The start wasn't great for us," Hocking said. ?
"Inside 50 was at 12-22 in the first half, so that puts you on the back foot.
"We obviously have to focus on starting our games better.
"The game against Central was a bit slow to start as well, so we just have to make sure we play on edge all the time."
The match against Norwood was the first of the new-look SANFL season, which sees the addition of an Adelaide Crows League team into a revamped 10-club competition.
Hocking struggled to draw positives from the performance.
"It was probably a game of two halves - their ability in the first half to pressure and tackle and their clearance work meant we couldn't get our hands on the footy," Hocking said.
"Hit outs were okay, Renouf had 41, but we just couldn't beat them at ground level which then gives you the opportunity to get inside 50.
"Norwood are obviously a good side, well drilled, so hopefully we can learn a lot from them.
This is a strong competition, so our boys need to understand that they are playing against quality players so we need to start well."
Port Adelaide enjoys a long 10-day break before its Round 2 encounter with traditional rivals Glenelg at Alberton Oval on Sunday 13 April.
Join the club as a Magpies member and see every Port Adelaide home game at Alberton Oval at weareportadelaide.com.au or call 1300 GO PAFC to upgrade your Power membership with SANFL home game access.
