The confidence within Carlton’s playing group is on the rise, according to coach Brendon Bolton. 

The Blues host an in-form Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday for the chance to win four games in a row for the first time since Rounds 10-13, 2011. 

Despite the lure of four consecutive wins, Bolton said his charges were maintaining a level head as “everything’s not OK”.

“It (confidence) is building,” Bolton told the media on Friday. 

“There’s some real belief in our system and they (the players) are feeling that themselves.

"We're all about equilibrium, not getting too high or low … There’s still lots to work on.”

Bolton said he’d been delighted with his leaders’ application over the past three rounds, singling out captain Marc Murphy for praise.  

“The one thing I’ve been really pleased with is how much the leaders and Murph in particular have accepted me and some new ways of thinking,” he said.

“More importantly, how much they’ve wanted to change and improve themselves.”

“It’s about emphasising messages from the coaches, it’s about investing in other youngsters, and day to day all our leaders are doing that.

“They (the leaders) are an important part of the jigsaw at our footy club.”

Sunday’s clash will be a significant one for the Blues with veteran and vice-captain Kade Simpson set to run out for his 250^th game. 

The half-back, who has become a leader of the group on and off the field, has been integral to the Blues’ improved defence.

“For a guy who’s only slight in stature, what amazing courage,” Bolton said. 

“He goes back with the flight regularly and to his credit he has really solidified our defence.” 

“I’m proud for him and I’m proud for his family.” 

The Blues could be set to celebrate more than one milestone against Port Adelaide, with Bolton labelling Michael Jamison a “more than likely” starter for his 150^th game. 

Carlton and Port Adelaide will release their final teams at 5pm today.