A slow start only compounded Fremantle’s problems in a tough loss to Port Adelaide, according to Lachie Weller.

The Power kicked the opening six goals of the contest on the way to an 89-point win at Adelaide Oval, as Fremantle were made to pay for some costly skill errors.

“They came out and really put a big score on the board in the first quarter,” Weller said.

"It was tough. We were just trying to peg them back all day.

“It puts us under a lot of pressure and you can second guess yourself coming out of your defensive fifty. 

“The slow start really hurt us.”

Weller showed plenty of grit and run out of half-back, even moving forward to kick a goal in the third term.

The 21-year-old was second for Fremantle in advancing the ball with 468 metres gained, and continued to fight until the final siren.

“The message from Ross (Lyon) was to show your true character in the last half when the game’s not going our way, “ Weller said.

“It was about never giving up and it’s something that I wanted to take on.

“I was trying to keep running and take the game on.

“In that way, I’m happy with the way I finished after a slow start.”