GREATER Western Sydney recruit Israel Folau admits he 'got lost' in the early stages of his debut game against Port Adelaide at Willaston on Saturday, but says he was happy with his performance overall in his first-ever AFL hit-out.

Folau started the game at full-back opposed to Power forward Jay Schulz and was caught off-guard on several occasions, conceding three goals in the opening term.

The rugby-league convert gave off a couple of slick handballs and took a strong mark when shifted into attack in the third term, but ruined the moment by kicking into the man on the mark.

Folau said he found it tough to read the play, especially early in the game.

"I got a bit lost at the start, but slowly [started to] read the game towards the end, which is what I expected," Folau said after the game.

"It [the transition from rugby league] has certainly been difficult and I found it difficult today. I took a mark, but then didn't come back far enough to kick the ball and they [the Port Adelaide players] got their hands to it and that's something I'll learn.

The inexperienced GWS team tried hard against the Power, but lacked class and was soundly beaten by 95 points.

The Giants have lost their five pre-season games by an average margin of 87 points and many observers questioned their inclusion in the top-tier competition.

However, coach Kevin Sheedy said the past six weeks had been invaluable experience for the fledgling club.

"We've probably improved [the equivalent of] half a season," Sheedy said.

"The biggest thing from our perspective is to get them on the screen, so we can get them out there and let everyone see what we want them to do. Games like this and the other four that we've played have been perfect for us for educational purposes.

"I would say that by far we've been the winners [of the NAB Cup/Challenge] even though the scoreboard won't look like that."