Robbie Gray says Port Adelaide was stung by a scathing review of its season worst loss to Hawthorn

Superstar Robbie Gray says a torrid inquest into Port Adelaide’s ‘worst loss of the season’ will spur it into action against St Kilda.

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Tom Jonas will lead Port Adelaide’s Shanghai response to a “confronting” review of its season shocker against Hawthorn, says champion Robbie Gray.

Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker has copped heat from greats including Dermott Brereton for a disappointing display against West Coast but Monday’s review at Alberton was no place for the faint hearted.

Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray of the Power is tackled against Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

“We had to review it really strongly and we had to because it was our worst performance of the year,” said Gray of Port’s 31-point loss in Launceston.

“We had to make sure we didn’t miss anything because we can’t be putting in performances like that.

“There is no hiding these days whether it work-rate or hardness at the footy.

“We had a pretty confronting meeting on Monday where we didn’t do some things well enough in the first quarter. To improve as a team you have to give some strong feedback at times.”

Port recorded its lowest pressure act count for a quarter as the Hawks piled on four straight goals before the first break. Adelaide and Collingwood have also smashed Ken Hinkley’s side in first terms this year.

Saints captain Jarryn Geary and Port’s Travis Boak in Shanghai China. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“It has been a problem for us the whole year. It is something we have spoken about,” said four-time All Australian Gray with Hinkley irate at quarter time in Launceston.

“The performances in the other quarters have been pretty strong so we need to get that start right. We will look to change things, start better.

“We have to do something about that. We can’t be starting four to six goals down at quarter time each week. I think the leaders will take that on and make sure we start well.”

Gray is adamant co-skipper Jonas is right to go against the Saints on Sunday despite struggling in his return from a four-week calf injury in Port’s loss to the Hawks. The Advertiser columnist and Power great Kane Cornes believes Jonas should be rested to gain condition.

“He had calf injury and was a bit restricted with what he could do but he worked his butt off in the sweat box and the pool and on the bike so he will definitely be better for the run,” said Gray of Jonas.

“No matter how much you do of anything there is nothing quite like playing a game of footy. He has pulled up well and the calf is no worry so that is a real positive. He will be ready to step it up again.”

Gray missed three games with a fractured hand then sustained a shoulder hit on return against the Hawks but can’t wait to take on the Saints — level on Port with 20 points.

“I pulled up really well, got a knock on the shoulder in the second quarter so that was OK. As the game wore on I was able to get into it a little more and played around the ball more and looking to build on that,” Gray told SEN Radio.

“I obviously had a few weeks off so really looking forward it.”

Gray believes the wisdom gained from two games in Shanghai will serve Port well against St Kilda, embarking on a maiden visit to Jiangwan Stadium.

“We are used to the conditions, being away and what China is like. It is a bit warmer and humid. It plays to our advantage but we have to play with that intent,” he said.

“St Kilda are playing some strong footy but a lot will be about that start.”