'I got it wrong': Port coach admits first-up blunder

Josh Carr, one game into his tenure as Port Adelaide coach, has admitted his first blunder.

Carr says his messaging likely led to his players underestimating strugglers North Melbourne in round one.

Carr's head coaching career then began with a humbling 46-point loss to the Kangaroos.

"I spoke about it," Carr told reporters on Thursday.

"And it started from me. It started from what I felt, in some ways, I may have led the players down that path.

"We talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition team.

"And in the end, in hindsight and reflection, you go: 'Well, did we get it right, did we get it wrong?

"I look at myself and go: 'I probably got a couple things wrong in the way I spoke to the players about North Melbourne and about what to expect'.

"I just thought I could have been better."

Carr's frank admission came after utility Jase Burgoyne told of the Power underestimating the Roos, who had won just 20 games in six seasons before last Sunday's season-opener.

"I saw Jase Burgoyne's comments as well about underestimating the opposition; I think we're not the only ones ... that happens," Carr said.

"And I think that's the sign of maybe an immature team at times.

"The best teams in the competition, they play the same way every week.They have got a standard that they set, and they play to that standard - and that's what we're chasing.

"We're chasing consistency, week-in, week-out, and right through the game.

"And I feel like obviously we didn't do that in this game. But it's a great lesson to come out of it."

Port host Essendon on Sunday at Adelaide Oval with Carr forecasting changes to his team.

"We're putting the pieces of the puzzle together and you have got to have a look at different pieces," he said.

"So for us, it's exploring and trying to bring the balance of the team together, but at the same time, reward performance underneath as well."