PORT Adelaide coach Matthew Lokan said his side was “completely outplayed” by Sturt on Saturday but showed maturity to respond to a dismal opening with an improved second half.

The Magpies had only scored one goal at half-time and trailed by 51 points at the main change, but mounted a third-quarter comeback of sorts before going down 13.7 (85) to 7.12 (54).

Port had conceded the first nine goals of the game at Unley Oval but came back with the next four and seven of the next 11, leaving Lokan frustrated with how the game started.

“We were completely outplayed in the first 30 minutes of the game,” he said.

“We couldn't put any pressure on the ball, we couldn’t move the football.

“It was 6-1 at clearance in the first seven clearances. They were completely dominant in the first quarter.

“We all want to win and we all want to be competitive and we just weren't good enough in the end of it.”

It was after half time that the Magpies’ midfield started to get on top with Sam Mayes, Jackson Mead, Trent Dumont and Cam Sutcliffe getting plenty of the ball.

Lokan said his side had focus areas pre-game, and the group reflected on those at half-time.

“We just weren't able to implement them in the first half,” he said.

“We just went back to them, we explained a little bit the detail to be able to get that right.

“We collectively as a group couldn't play the way that we wanted to in the first quarter and a half. But we played as a team in the second half.”

The Magpies got the margin back to within five goals midway through the third and a Josh Sinn shot which hit he post almost cut it cut it to under four, before the Double Blues steadied.

“Sturt by far were the best team on the day,” Lokan explained.

“It is a credit to our boys that we showed some real maturity to be able to steel ourselves and play an okay three quarters.

“To show the maturity we did, to be able to finish off the game like we did was a credit to our guys.”

Port Adelaide next travels to South Adelaide on Sunday.