TIME spent acclimatising to Darwin's hot and humid conditions was a key factor in Port Adelaide's upset win over Richmond according to forward Robbie Gray.

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The Power arrived in Darwin on the Thursday for the Saturday night game, which Gray said helped them adjust to the unique setting of the top end.

"We came up pretty confident. We prepared pretty well. We came up on Thursday which is a day earlier than normal. Full credit to Matty (Primus) and the fitness staff for getting us up here and it worked out in the end," Gray said.

"The conditions are so different here so that when we get up here, we can experience the heat a bit and have a good training session on Thursday night. It's all about getting used to the conditions and a bit of team bonding as well."

Gray was one of his team's best in the win, kicking four goals and having a hand in several others.

But he said Port Adelaide's ability to finish off was a credit to players further up the ground giving the forwards opportunities.

"Definitely. It's good to get a few off and get other people involved but in saying that, the boys up the field really did the job tonight," he said.

"The midfield and the backline got the ball in there and gave the forwards the opportunities. Full credit goes to them."

Gray acknowledged that the task of playing at TIO Stadium presented some unique challenges not often faced by teams based in Adelaide or Melbourne.

"Hydration is massive. It's really hot and humid up here and you lose a lot of sweat, especially when you're running around. Hydration is a massive thing and our fitness coaches have been on to us about eating the right foods and recovery," he said.

"We weigh ourselves before the game and after the game and make sure we recover really well because next week is important.

"Preparation has got to be right otherwise you might go in to a game a bit sore the next week. We give ourselves every opportunity to go in as fresh as we can. It's going to be a big week on the training track, there will be a lot of recovery and we're really excited to play Carlton next week."