Ken Hinkley has tipped his side to bounce back against North Melbourne on Saturday night, after two disappointing losses to start the season.

Speaking on Friday, the Port coach said his players were well aware of the areas that needed to be worked on to their fortunes around.

"The group knows what it takes for them to play good footy and they know what that requires," Hinkley said.

"I have not got one question about their effort – they are prepared to go and work really, really hard on their games and at the moment they are just looking for a win; hopefully that’s tomorrow night."

RELATED: Definitive Preview

Many considered the Power unlucky to go down to the Dockers in round one, but a 48-point loss against the Swans last week had some questioning if they can replicate last year's performance.

Hinkley however believes his team isn’t as far off the pace as has been portrayed.

"Sydney would review that game (round two) and say they played pretty impressive football and got hold of us. We won’t be the first or the last team that Sydney get hold of.

"We just haven’t been totally at our best in all parts of the game. If you are a bit off and you are playing Sydney, you are playing Fremantle, you are playing Kangaroos... you are going to get beaten."

RELATED: Scouting Report

Port has won just two of its last 12 games at Etihad Stadium, and lost its last five against North at the venue, but that doesn’t worry the coach.

"Etihad Stadium, if I sit here and be honest, the numbers will say it’s not a great venue. We aren’t worried about the venue, we aren’t worried about the opposition, we are worried about what we’ve got to do."

The Power will again be without ruckman Matthew Lobbe for the clash, with Jarman Impey out with a hamstring injury and Kane Cornes rested.

Hinkley said there was nothing sinister behind Cornes’ omission.

"People try to read more into them (omissions) than they actually are," he added.

"It's simple: it's the management of our most senior player in his 15th season of AFL football."