WHILE Saturday’s performance had its moments, David Teague believes it was a step forward for his side.

As he put it, being able to win without playing at its best represented a new frontier for Carlton.

The Blues showed signs of the polish and energy which has characterised their recent strong run of form.

However, it was their ability to grind out a result against a dogged Suns outfit which pleased the coach.

“It was a really good sign for our boys to get away with a win and not play at their best,” Teague said.

“It’s a great lesson for us that we need to execute the basics really well, regardless of the scoreboard.”

Having enjoyed success as the underdogs in recent weeks, Carlton entered the Round 18 contest as favourites and looked set to record a comfortable victory.

Despite Gold Coast taking the game to its hosts, Carlton recorded its fourth win in six weeks — thanks largely to an equal contribution across the ground.

“Everyone has a job to do and at the moment, we’re getting more guys doing it than not,” he said.

“It’s putting us in games.

“We had a really good spread of goalkickers with 11. Whoever gets that role has a job to do.”

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After a difficult run to start the season, players and fans alike are beginning to gain confidence from seeing the Blues on a winning run.

Teague said there was something tangible to take from the last six weeks.

“Belief,” he said.

“You need to be able to do. We believe we’ve got ht talent, but we haven’t gone out there and executed.

“If we keep playing and training the way we are, we’re going to be in a lot of games.

“That’s going to be the challenge going forward.”