Fremantle defender Luke Ryan said full-quarter lapses have been too common this season and will be a focus for the group to rectify.
After Fremantle took a six-point lead into the quarter time break, Port Adelaide kicked five unanswered second term goals as rain fell heavily at Metricon Stadium.
Ryan felt the second quarter drop off left Freo with too much to do in the second half.
“It’s happened the past two games…we were in the game and then we let ourselves down with that one quarter,” Ryan said.
“We come back and fight and put in a lot of effort, but we just need to work on being consistent and improve.
“They surged (forward) a lot better than we did, we handballed around the contest a little bit and allowed them to get access to the ball.
“We’re working through it in our game plan…we’ll keep working on it at training and look to build.
“That’s the good thing about footy, there is always next week.”
Ryan was pleased to have the returning pair of forward Jesse Hogan and fellow back Nathan Wilson heading into the game.
“(Nathan) give us a lot of drive off half-back and a lot of leadership,” Ryan said.
“He’s probably our most experienced back, so it was a real bonus having him and it was good to see him get through.
“(Jesse’s) is an unreal story, given what he’s been through.
“He is resilient he came back in really good nick, he always trains really well and I’m really proud of him.”
In just his second AFL game, Hayden Young continues to look ‘at home’ in Freo’s backline, with Ryan lauding his football intellect.
“He’s improving every week, he’s got really good ball use and can read the play really well,” Ryan said.
“His kick is unbelievable…and his intercept marking is really good.
“He’s a really smart footballer and he is pretty elite off field as well, so he’s going to be a really good player for us.”
Ryan said his teammates were thankful for the support from the small contingent of Queensland-based Fremantle members that were able to attend the match.
“Thank you for coming out today and thank you for your support,” Ryan said.
“We know you are behind us; we’re trying to get that win for you.
“Stick with us and we’ll get one for you very soon.”
