PORT Adelaide captain Warren Tredrea says the side must work hard to fight its way out of a tough period.

The Power’s brilliant start to 2007 has been derailed with consecutive losses, with last week’s defeat to Sydney followed by a 56-point loss to Geelong on Sunday at AAMI Stadium.

"We know our best footy is in front of us," Tredrea told portadelaidefc.com.au after the game.

"We've got guys that are getting better every day, but we're under no illusions, it's not easy at the moment, even though we had a good start to the year."

Tredrea echoed the words of his coach Mark Williams, saying Port Adelaide’s return to the top would be a gradual process with some hiccups along the way.

"We think we're progressing, but the first half tonight was a little step back," Tredrea said.

"The second half was a lot better but obviously our supporters will be disappointed and we are very disappointed."

The Cats dominated the opening two quarters to take a 71-point lead at the main break. As the Swans managed last week, Geelong outplayed the Power at the stoppages.

“They obviously watched how Sydney played," Tredrea said.

"Geelong took a few of our good midfielders and we struggled to get the footy clear. That was the story. They came prepared and just played a better first half.

The Power had only two fewer inside 50s than the Cats to quarter time, but were unable to find targets up forward.

Under pressure every time they took possession, the midfielders resorted to bombing the ball long, playing into the hands of Geelong’s spare defender.

"Every time the ball went forward their way, they were a lot more clinical than we were when it went our way," Tredrea said.

Tredrea's own mark in the second quarter was one of the few early highlights for Power fans. Reminiscent of the Tredrea of old, the big forward outmuscled Cat Matthew Egan and played on to kick his only goal of the game.

Tredrea took heart in the team's ability to stick it out in the last half.

Staring down the barrel of a 12-goal deficit with the rain making it impossible to replicate Geelong's effort, Port Adelaide battled its way to a consolation second-half victory.

"We pushed Geelong when the sting had gone out of the game a bit," Tredrea said.

"But we didn't play four quarters. Geelong deserved the result and they played very well. We've got a lot of areas to improve on, but it's good to know we can improve."