PORT ADELAIDE suffered its third loss of the 2021 season when it went down to the Western Bulldogs by 19 points on Saturday night.

Port started slowly and trailed by 25 points at quarter time but fought back to take the lead before being overrun by an in-form ‘Dogs outfit.

Here are some key things we learned from the game.

1) Adelaide Oval losses are rare

Going into Saturday night’s game, Port’s record at Adelaide Oval was strong. It had lost just twice at the incredible venue since July 2019. The result against the Bulldogs was Port’s first home loss of 2021 and just its third in 16 games. At 81.25% winning rate, it has been a solid nearly two years at the venue. Port’s overall record there is 55 wins in 89 games at 61.8%.

2) Port knows where it’s going wrong

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley said he had “consistent information” about where his side was at and where it is going wrong after losses to West Coast, Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs. “When we’re ok in the contested possession, we’re challenging to anyone but when we come up against the best teams who are identified as the best teams so far they’ve been able to be stronger for longer.” Port trailed 43-28 in the contested possession count at quarter time when it trailed by 25 points. It was 71-65 behind at half time after Port had fought back to take the lead for a period in the second quarter. The ledger finished 147-136 and it was probably the key to the game. Knowing your shortcomings is the first step to overcoming them and Hinkley’s side knows exactly what it needs to work on.

3) The boys can fight

The Bulldogs are joint premiership favourites with the bookies, based especially on the depth and quality of their midfield. But, despite being down some numbers around the contest through suspension and injury, Port Adelaide showed it could match it with them in a second-quarter fight back. In a powerful 10-minute burst, Port booted five goals to turn a 25-point deficit into a five-point lead. Defender Hamish Hartlett launched a 60-metre bomb to kick-start the scoring and it set the momentum in Port’s favour. The Dogs were just tougher for longer.

4) Ladhams gave the midfield first look

Scott Lycett’s suspension threw up a selection dilemma with both of Peter Ladhams and Sam Hayes in good form in the SANFL. The coaches elected to pick Ladhams over the untried Hayes and the 20-game big man repaid their faith. His 37 hit-outs was the best of his career including a career-best eight to advantage as Port won the hit-out tally 51-24. He also had 18 disposals and two clearances. Ladhams also contributed three marks and five score involvements.