Port struggled to find major scores from their midfield group, while the Eagles' midfield runners looked far more dangerous, piling on nine goals, including bags of four and three goals apiece to Andrew Embley and Luke Shuey respectively.
The Power were fortunate to still be in the hunt late in the game, with West Coast wasting several opportunities and posting 13 more scoring shots than Port. If the Eagles had kicked straight, it would have been game over at the major break.
Power coach Matthew Primus said he needed to see a lift from his midfielders if Port were to be competitive this season.
"We just didn't get enough from our midfield group, which we had all pre-season and they also kicked a few last week for us." said Primus.
Players such as David Rodan, Danyle Pearce and Travis Boak took far too long to work their way into the match, with the trio managing only 20 disposals and two behinds between them to half-time.
"They [Power midfielders] really didn't have any impact on the scoreboard at all today."
After an impressive four-goal start to the 2011 season, Justin Westhoff failed to trouble the scorers against the Eagles, only managing five disposals, one mark and a behind. For a player with such talent, 'Humphrey' needs to find some consistency to make his mark on the competition and show the Power faithful his true potential.
Chad Cornes fought hard for the home side, and Robbie Gray almost single-handedly kept the Power in the game with four goals to half-time.
However, with the injury to Jay Schulz last week against Collingwood, Brett Ebert, Daniel Motlop and John Butcher must all come under serious selection consideration for Port's next match at Skilled Stadium next week against Geelong.
Motlop booted five goals in the SANFL and should be almost a near-certainty to return, whilst young key-position prospect Butcher kicked three goals in the local league and could be named to make his debut against the Cats.
Port Adelaide's list certainly has the potential to push for the finals this year, but their ability to turn possession into goals through the midfield needs some urgent attention.
