MAGPIES coach Matthew Lokan said a slow start and poor first half cost his side any chance of a win as Adelaide claimed a 16-point win over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday. 

“It was obviously disappointing to go down in what I thought was a very high quality SANFL game,” he said.

“We had a terrible first half and in the second half we played some consistent footy, but giving Adelaide the start we did in the first half we weren’t able to get back into it.”

After trailing by 36 points at half time, Port kicked 11 goals to seven in the second half and even drer within 10 points late in the final term.

“We had a few honest truths at half time about how we were playing but to fight back after a terrible first half was pleasing and we spoke about that,” he said.

“If we are going to be a good team, we have to be more consistent and play more than a half of footy.

“We showed the competition today that we can play some good footy and we just have to do it more often, last year we were having periods of games, quarters and halves where we weren’t able to perform the way we wanted, but at the moment, it is small moments of games.

“Today it was 10 minutes in the second quarter we were terrible and we started the game slowly as well.”

In an inexperienced team Lokan said captain Cameron Sutcliffe led from the front with 32 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances and a goal.

“That was the best game he (Sutcliffe) has played for our football club,” he said.

“We were able to play nine of our contracted players today, we have a few injuries and guys out, so to play those nine guys and still deliver a solid effort was pleasing - but we have to get better.”

Trent McKenzie injured his hamstring in the first quarter and will be assessed throughout the week.