Port Adelaide's players aren't gelling but the blame can't be laid squarely on a trio of misfiring big-gun recruits, according to assistant coach Brendon Lade.
Although he admits the Power are still exploring the reasons why prized signings Jack Watts, Tom Rockliff and Steven Motlop are yet to fully fit in since their arrivals.
"You don't just fit in overnight and they are finding out where they belong, where they fit, what their role is," Lade told reporters on Monday.
"They're getting there.
"Why hasn't it worked? We're still exploring that ... it's hard to fit in.
"I have been here two years and I'm just fitting in now as a coach so it does take a little bit of time."
Rockliff, Watts and Motlop are all down on their outputs from their previous clubs at ninth-placed Port, who are relying on other results to sneak into this year's finals.
"Maybe we haven't gelled as a team," Lade said.
"It's my second year here and we have still got the inconsistencies (that) probably show that."
Ex-Brisbane captain Rockliff is averaging 20.6 disposals a game for Port, his lowest-ever season barring when he played one game in his 2009 debut year.
Former Melbourne utility Watts averages 13.8 possessions for Port, his lowest average since his two formative years at the Demons.
And ex-Cat Motlop is averaging 17.6 disposals for Port, his lowest numbers since 2013.
"We're still finding out what the best place is to play Mots," Lade said.
"They are playing their roles that we had bookmarked for them, definitely (but) you have got to fit around five or six other people as well.
"Rockliff was the main (rucking) hit-to at Brisbane, here he's not at the moment.
"We know where they belong in our team. We have just got to keep trying to make them fit in.
"It's not just on the field, it's off the field as well.
"It's really hard coming to a different state ... where do I belong, who are my friendship groups.
"Rockliff moved over with his partner and with a baby, doesn't know anyone.
"So he's fitting in off the field as well, so that is all part of it."
