COLLINGWOOD defender Harry O'Brien says there is a growing belief among his teammates that they can challenge for the premiership, however they must first prove they can match it with other top-four sides.
> Watch Alan Didak speak to CTV in the rooms after the win
On Friday night, the Pies responded strongly to their early deficit against a passionate Port Adelaide - fresh from the announcement of coach Mark Williams' resignation - but O'Brien said the looming clash with St Kilda would give greater indication of their development.
"Our big test is when we play St Kilda next week and we play Geelong again and then we'll really be able to assess where we are at," he said after Collingwood's 26-point victory.
O'Brien said Collingwood wasn't expecting the fierce Adelaide breeze that troubled it early in the game, and that its structure was changed at quarter time to suit the conditions.
The Pies also knew they needed to lift in a big way after Port dominated the inside-50 count and contested possessions.
"He (coach Mick Malthouse) obviously wasn't happy at the end of the first quarter, but at the same time he said there was a lot to gain because we just needed to tweak a few things," he said.
"We had to just keep grinding. We knew Port were going to be fired up as it was Choco's last game and we have a lot of respect for their core leadership group."
The Pies kicked seven goals in the second quarter, eroding the Power's 32-point lead to square scores at the main break.> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media after the game
Alan Didak (two goals), Dane Swan (16 possessions) and second-gamer Jarryd Blair were particularly prolific in that term, while O'Brien - playing his 100th game - rebounded well from defensive 50 and minimised the impact of dangerous Power forward Daniel Motlop.
Recruited by Collingwood in the 2005 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, O'Brien said his milestone was something he always felt he would achieve.
"I absolutely thought I would get there. You have to have the belief and be prepared to dream."
