Port Adelaide assistant coach Nathan Bassett believes his side can take confidence from its win against the top of the table Geelong last weekend.

Bassett says while it was an important win against the Cats, his side quickly shifted its focus to another important contest against the Western Bulldogs this weekend.

“It certainly gives us some belief,” Bassett said in a press conference on Friday morning.

“Our best is good enough to challenge the best teams in the competition, but you know we need to do it week in week out.

 “The training standards of the players during the week has been very good in working on their game, you know we’re building towards consistency.

“We probably haven’t shown it for a little while which isn’t unusual in the AFL, it’s a tough competition, you’ve got to be at your best each and every week if you want to win more of your games than you lose.”

With the loss of Dougal Howard through suspension, Peter Ladhams will return for his second AFL game against the Bulldogs.

Ladhams has averaged 24 hit outs, 22 disposals and just under a goal a game for the Magpies in the SANFL this year.

“He’s been in outstanding form in the SANFL,” Bassett said.

“He’s got great movement and he’s nice and clean below his knees. He’s been very combative for the four quarters each week.

“We’re pretty excited to pick Pete, he’s certainly been knocking down the door for a while and he’s earned his opportunity.”

Bassett says he likes the flexibility the 202cm ruckman brings to the side, and he expects him to spend time in the midfield and deep forward.

“He’s certainly got some ability to play as a forward,” he said.

“We’re not exactly sure what we’ll get tomorrow but I’m reasonably confident that he’ll give us a consistent contest.

“He’ll work hard back to goals and then he can put on some pressure and also win some ball and potentially score some goals.”

The Power hosts the Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, with the game commencing at 7.10pm.