PORT Adelaide veteran Justin Westhoff believes the Power can show their round one upset of Melbourne is a sign they can "achieve something pretty big" this year.
The evergreen 32-year-old is aiming for his first win in a milestone game when the Power hosts Carlton at Adelaide Oval on Saturday in what will be his 250th appearance for the club.
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Westhoff was instrumental in the Power's 26-point victory over the Demons at the MCG last weekend, booting five goals.
The Power were one of the great unknowns this year having made 22 list changes over the past two seasons and unveiling a new game style focusing on quicker ball movement.
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There was also dissent among the club's traditional supporters about appointing co-captains – Tom Jonas and Ollie Wines - for the first time in its history.
"Coming into this season, we were back down to where we were a couple of years ago," Westhoff said on Tuesday.
"We've been given no chance and there was a bit of backlash with what we've done with the decisions we've made with the captaincy.
"We're back to the underdogs which we've been the last few years, but it's just been inner belief.
"I know a lot of the guys are talking about the connection within the group as being the highest it's ever been since we've been at the club.
"It's important to hold that close to our chest and build on that each week, but there just seems to be a smoldering feeling within the group we can achieve something pretty big.
"It seems like we've consolidated, we've steadied our feet and we just feel we're better off this year than the last couple of years."
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Westhoff – Port's reigning best and fairest - has played mostly on a wing in the past few seasons, but has gone forward in the absence of key target Charlie Dixon.
That versatility has been crucial in Westhoff playing his best football.
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"That's probably saved my career to an extent, rejuvenated probably my love for footy over the last three or four years," he said.
"To play a variety of roles frees up the mental aspect of playing footy and allows you a bit of freedom."
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Westhoff becomes just the third Power player to reach 250 games, behind Kane Cornes (300) and Warren Tredrea (255).
Luck has evaded Westhoff in his milestone games.
He's been on the losing end in his debut (round one, 2007 against Hawthorn), his 50th game (round 22, 2009 against North Melbourne), his 100th (round 11, 2012 against Hawthorn), his 150th (round 17, 2014 against Richmond) and 200th (round 20, 2016 against Sydney).
"I haven't won a milestone game in my whole career, so it'd be nice to win one with the head held high and have a few beers with the boys after and celebrate with my family with a smile," he said.
"Hopefully I'm not the unlucky charm.
"Hopefully this is the week, otherwise I'll have to stick around until 300."
