Tempo and composure – that’s what Carlton's Tom Bell has been focusing on week to week. 

The emphasis is clearly working, with the big-bodied midfielder racking up 25 disposals, laying five tackles and kicking a goal in the Blues’ win against Port Adelaide at the ‘G.

Speaking to Crocmedia on Monday, Bell said the four-point win was “a whole team effort”.

“There were some amazing tackles by Troy Menzel – even look at our young players like Patty Cripps and Dylan Buckley who are all starting to really stand up and come into their own,” Bell said.

“Nick (Graham) had a bit of a tough run breaking into the side, he was sub a couple of times, then went back to the VFL and had some outstanding games there.

“I’m really close with Nick and I’m really rapt to see good ol’ Nickey Graham getting some games under his belt and he seems to be really relishing the opportunity.”

Originally hailing from Queensland, Bell played soccer as a child and says he didn’t really think “too much” of football as a kid.

“It wasn’t until late in my primary school days, a few friends moved up from Victoria and they brought me across to the local club in Morningside and it evolved from there,” he said.

Since being picked up by Carlton in the 2012 Rookie Draft, Bell has worked hard on his decision making under pressure.

“For me it’s just about getting used to the tempo of the game (and) staying composed under those tricky situations … composure and tempo are huge.”

Looking ahead to this week’s match against the Gold Coast Suns, Bell said the team is hoping to notch up two wins in a row and continue their fierce tackling and pressure.

“Our full focus is on Gold Coast now, so the boys are looking forward to having another crack out there on Sunday afternoon,” he said.