A SLOW start didn’t overshadow a thrilling Magpies runaway win on Saturday, but it’s a key learning says SANFL senior coach Chad Cornes.

The Roosters held control during the first half leaving the home side chasing a nine-point deficit at the major break, but a 12-goal haul saw Port Adelaide bring home a convincing 63-point win.

Cornes was pleased with the turnaround, but said there’s plenty of room for improvement.

“We got jumped again so that’s something we definitely have to focus on during the week,” he said.

“North started really well and they were really aggressive.

“I think we needed to be a bit more aggressive defensively, just a little lazy at times in the first half, getting the ball a bit more direct and into our forward line was the key focus.”

Port Adelaide hit the turf firing in the third quarter, booting seven goals to North’s one.

Showing no signs of slowing down, the dominance continued into the final term where the Magpies kept their opposition goalless; a rushed behind their only score.

They were hunting more than just scoreboard points - a trait Cornes loves.

“’Ruthless’ is a word I love - Mark Williams put that into me… I don’t like it when you get up on a lead and the boys think the job is done, I like them to go even harder,” he said.

“We fought it out well and showed what we can do when we stick to the way we are meant to play, keeping in mind these guys have only played three games together so every game we play we hope to see small developments.

“Once we get a bit of unity and understand how each other plays that’s when we play our best footy, we’re hoping that happens a bit quicker than it did last year.”

Next weekend holds another challenge for Port Adelaide as they take on Adelaide in the SANFL Showdown at Woodville on Saturday the 29th of April at 1.10pm.