ST KILDA ultimately paid for producing one of its worst starts to a game in many years, losing to Port Adelaide by 21 points at AAMI Stadium last night.

To play so poorly in the first half when it trailed by 32 points, to get within seven in the third when it looked so good, and ultimately be swamped again, caused further grief for Saints disheartened fans.

Taking nothing from Port , who also began tardily — it produced the first goal of the match after 19 minutes — but showed character to respond, St Kilda virtually loosened its grip on the contest with a lack of skills under pressure and poor decision making.

The Saints are either incapable of executing a game plan that is being asked of them because it doesn't work, or they just don't have the ability to make it happen. Perhaps both, but the undeniable fact last night was that the Saints were simply not good enough to produce the goods when given a real opportunity to recover.

St Kilda's attack on the ball wasn't the issue. For most part it matched Port's toughness, but so often when it looked as if it might do something positive it missed its targets or gave away foolish free kicks.

A strong wind swept across the ground, and maybe the Saints are not used to playing in such conditions, but there was still no excuse for simple skill errors, especially in the first half.

The first quarter was probably the worst by both clubs for some time, including moments when not one player was in either team's 50-metre zone, but the significant factor was that the Power was able to lift itself out of the quagmire. Significantly, this rise in skill level by Port came when Chad Cornes spent most of the term getting a serious right-hand finger injury attended. He resumed in the second term playing deep in attack, and became an effective player from then on, adding further strength to the Power.

Port led 5.4 to 0.3 before Nick Riewoldt eluded opponents deep in the left pocket to run in and kick St Kilda's first goal 10 minutes into the second term. Justin Koschitzke and Xavier Clarke followed up to add respect to the scoreboard, and the Saints trailed by 19 points at half-time.

Sadly, the threats of a successful comeback were just that, and the sorry record now shows the Saints have not beaten Port here since 1997, and have now lost 11 of the past 12 games against the Power.

Port is now 2-4 and climbing, and a few of its key players who have been conspicuously tame for some time emerged under pressure last night, none more than Warren Tredrea. The captain has been besieged by critics for some time, but it was no coincidence that his return showing of strong marks, great teamwork, physical presence and a much-needed goal at crucial stages made Port look a much better side.

Kane Cornes was again superb in the crunches and in his regular negating role — especially on Nick Dal Santo — while the ever-dangerous David Rodan was creative. However, Port's team play and tenacity, rather than its skill level, proved a key factor. Its work in and around the packs was terrific.

PORT ADELAIDE 3.2 6.5 10.7 12.10 (82)
ST KILDA 0.2 3.4 7.5 9.7 (61)
GOALS - Port Adelaide: Motlop 3, Tredrea 2, Boak 2, Ebert, Lade, S Burgoyne, Pettigrew, Cassisi. St Kilda: Riewoldt 3, Koschitzke 2, Gram, X Clarke, Armitage, Montagna.
BEST - Port Adelaide: K Cornes, Salopek, Tredrea, Cassisi, Chaplin, P Burgoyne. St Kilda: Hayes, Gram, Goddard, Montagna, Birss, Riewoldt.
UMPIRES Donlon, Stevic, Schmitt.
CROWD 20,517 at AAMI Stadium.

THE UPSHOT
St Kilda has not beaten Port here since 1997, and has now lost 11 of its past 12 to the Power. There are concerns for the Saints, and new hope for Port.

TALKING POINT
The abysmal standard of the first term and Port's ability to come good, while St Kilda generally continued to turn the ball over too often.

HOT AND COLD
Warren Tredrea was hot for a change, but Port's other key forward Justin Westhoff is still to warm up, but played better than Stephen Milne, who kicked just one behind.

Too many St Kilda players let their teammates down by turning over the ball — and often not under pressure. Few were exempt from this obvious flaw, especially when the Saints persisted in trying to attack through the corridor, only to be met by eagerly awaiting defenders.

As the game wore on, the frustration by the Saints became more intense, as it did for fans who travelled for this game, sitting in a dreadfully-cold stadium.