Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew was left to rue the second half fadeout that saw his side fall to a disappointing 38-point victory against Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

The SUNS took it right up to their more fancied opponents during the opening half of the Adelaide Oval contest and even went into the half-time break with a narrow four-point advantage.

However, after the main break it was all the hosts, as Port Adelaide relished the wet conditions to slam on seven-goals-to-one after half-time to kick away and hand the SUNS a fifth consecutive loss.

Dew noted the 44-9 inside-50 advantage the Power enjoyed after half-time and said his side failed to cope with the increase in intensity from their opponents.

"We delivered what we wanted to in the first half and had the game on equal terms, if not ours," Dew said.

"(In the second half) we were second to the ball and that is why it was played in their half, plain and simple, which is disappointing as we have shown we can deliver four quarters. 

"But credit to Port Adelaide as they lifted, and we weren’t able to go with them."

While Dew was visibly frustrated with the second half performance from his side, he said the match will be a lesson for his players as they continued to get used to performing alongside each other.

"We don’t want to get too wrapped up in the week-to-week when we are trying to improve the whole list,” he said.

"We just keep working away, keep training and setting good standards, making sure we see some growth.

"We don’t want to focus in on this week, we want to make sure guys are building good habits, so they can get to half-time at Adelaide Oval and come out and play well in the second half again."

Highly rated youngster Ben King went goalless and contributed just five disposals on debut for the SUNS, but Dew saw enough to be convinced the teenager would be a good long-term player for the club.

"It was never going to be about him getting a lot of stats," Dew said of the No.6 draft pick.

"It was about getting through that first game, enjoying it and the experience with everyone involved.

"He will be better for it, as your head is always spinning first game up. I thought he competed really well."

Dew is hoping experienced midfielder Touk Miller will return from a heel issue to take on Geelong at Metricon Stadium next round, but said veteran defender Pearce Hanley was unlikely to be available as he recovers from a corked quad.