Matthew Primus' first taste of AFL head coaching was sour.

Port Adelaide's caretaker coach watched his charges lose by 36 points to Western Bulldogs in Darwin on Saturday night, the Power's ninth defeat in a row.

"It was a great experience but our members and sponsors and supporters are getting sick of not winning," Primus said.

"Although it was a good experience, it will leave a sour taste in your mouth."

Primus took over when Mark Williams departed nine days ago.

His next task is to prepare for a rejuvenated Adelaide when the city-stopping rivalry continues next Sunday.

Primus appealed for Port supporters to attend their nominated home game.

"We obviously want everyone to get behind us ... and outnumber the Adelaide mob who are up and going," he said.

"At least we have got a few days extra break to get ready for that.

"We still want to play our game style, we are all about the future, we want to find some wins."

Primus attempted an instant coaching imprint by moving battling forward Daniel Motlop to a wing in the loss to the Bulldogs.

But Motlop's output of 10 disposals failed to impress.

"Mots, it wasn't one of his great games," Primus said.

"We gave him the chance to go up the ground a bit more, obviously the wing, on ball.

"His effort was still there, it's just not happening for him ... he's just not finding enough of the ball."

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