It might be a work in progress but Carlton are confident their new strategy will hold up over the stressful coming weeks in the AFL.

While the Blues whipped Greater Western Sydney on Saturday for their fourth win in five games, coach Mick Malthouse’s masterplan now faces a severe test.

They meet powerhouse sides Essendon, Hawthorn, Sydney and Collingwood in their next four matches, a block of games which should provide an insight into their finals potential.

Blues defender Simon White said he felt the team could now handle extra pressure from the stronger sides.

“They’re all top eight teams but I think we are confident, I think we are starting to play the way that Mick’s implemented the game plan,” White said.

“It will be interesting to test it out against some of the top teams.

“You can try it out as much as you like in training and it might look fantastic but when you get out there under real pressure situations that’s when the test of the game plan comes up.”

Carlton have hauled themselves up to sixth on the ladder on the back of a hat-trick of wins and White said he now believes the team know what they are capable of.

“We’re quite confident in our own ability but people are obviously going to judge us on these next four games.

“As long as we can really play the way we want to play and be competitive in all those games…but we’re really focusing on Essendon this Friday night,” he said.

Malthouse said his original plan had been modified as he learned what the players could do and what they were comfortable with but White said there had been no basic changes.

“I think there’s been a little bit of tinkering with it from the start of the season but basically everyone know’s Mick is based on defence so they are still the main themes,” he said.

White said players spent the first few matches getting used to Malthouse’s scheme but in the past few weeks “it’s all gelled together.”