WATCH Matt Primus and Hamish Hartlett speak post-match above on PTV. Can't view the video? Watch on YouTube
PORT Adelaide coach Matthew Primus says the win against Carlton proves his team and game plan are on the right track, despite what the detractors say.
The relationship between Primus and his players was recently questioned by some media outlets, but the Port coach said the group had never stopped believing.
"For us it just shows us that what we're doing is on the right path, but we've got a lot of work to do still and we're looking forward to stepping up to the plate again next week," he said.
"We, as a group, haven't lost our belief in what we're going to do."
[ Related: Schulz injury update ]
The Power were sensational for four quarters in slippery conditions and Primus said the win was their best effort since their narrow victory over St Kilda in round one.
"We probably haven't attacked the opposition like [we did tonight] for four quarters since round one.
"Funnily enough we got the result we wanted in that game too. This was the second time this year I've thought we've been really good for four quarters."
He said consistent work by the players on and off the field had led to Port's turnaround in form and the confidence gained from winning was invaluable.
"We've been competitive… probably had a poor quarter against Richmond, a poor quarter against Adelaide in the last quarter, and, apart from that we haven't really had poor quarters. [We] just haven't been good enough to get across the line," he said.
"We've kept on believing in and developing our group and they've been able to get the rewards for the hard work they've been putting in."
[ Video: Round 10 player highlights ]
After six consecutive losses from rounds two to seven, Primus admittd his side had lost its confidence after a promising pre-season.
But he said a third consecutive win meant the Power would tackle Hawthorn next weekend with belief.
"Confidence is hard to get and easy to lose and we probably lost a bit of that," he said.
"We talked to the players when we were losing about how 'we're not far guys, we're close, we've just got to tidy up this or that'…. doing that every week was probably starting to wear thin on them.
"[The win over Carlton] gives us great momentum into that game, it gives us a great chance to have a crack at them.
[ Related: Power v Blues match report ]
"If [the players] can bring that effort and intensity and willingness every week, we'll be a real hard team to beat.
"I think for the first time this year we won centre square [clearances] and that's the quickest way to get it [forward]," he said.
"I always knew that if we could get it in there more we could score and today was good reward for those guys."
Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
