The Power recorded a record $1.4 million loss last year and sought financial aid from the AFL in March.
On Wednesday, Demetriou reaffirmed the League’s commitment to getting the club back on its feet and told the players their future at Alberton was safe.
Carlile said Demetriou’s address had helped the group to settle.
“Andrew came across and dispelled a few rumours that were out in the papers. For him to put his foot down on the situation that we’re in has really helped us out,” Carlile said on Thursday.
“I wouldn’t say we were unsettled, but with the CEO running around [trying to sort out financial issues] it probably put a little bit of doubt in a few of the boys’ minds, but that’s all been squashed now and we’re really happy.”
Carlile has also re-affirmed his own commitment to the Power, signing off on a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club until the end of 2011.
The 22-year-old, who was picked up with pick No.44 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, earned a Rising Star nomination in his first season at full-back last year.
There has been speculation that Port Adelaide’s financial plight might result in some players needing to take pay-cuts to keep the group together, but Carlile said he was happy with his deal.
The young Victorian also denied uncertainty over coach Mark Williams’ future had any bearing on his contract negotiations.
“I’d love to see Choco [Williams] stay with the club. He’s a really good leader and a really good mentor, but as long as the rest of the coaches are here and we all know what we’re aiming for, then I’m happy with the club,” Carlile said.
“I haven’t really spoken to anyone about it, but I think most of the guys are happy with Choco and would love to see him stay.”
Carlile was confident the tight-knit nature of the defensive group would encourage more players to remain at the club.
“[In the backline] we’ve got myself, Troy Chaplin, Steve Salopek, Nathan Krakouer, Michael Pettigrew and Jacob Surjan. We also have the younger guys, like Matty Broadbent, Nick Lower and Paul Stewart, who are coming and playing good footy in the SANFL as well,” Carlile said.
“We’re all working together to try and get a back-line that we can rely on. We all want to make a name for ourselves and we think we’re headed in the right direction.”
