Caretaker Carlton coach David Teague isn’t sure whether he wants to be prime minister or the AFL club’s next boss but his skipper has no doubt.
Patrick Cripps has sharply increased the chances of Teague winning the full-time role by throwing his weight behind the Blues’ interim leader.
“I’m on the Teague train,” Cripps told Channel Seven on Sunday prior to the Blues’ loss to West Coast.
“I’ve heard #Teague2020 is getting around and I’m all for it.”
Teague has rejuvenated the Blues in his short time at the helm.
The 38-year-old inherited a talented but demoralised side in June following Brendon Bolton’s sacking, with just one win in 11 matches.
Under Teague, Carlton has rebounded with five victories in their following eight games.
The undermanned Blues went down to premiership fancies West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Sunday before Teague considered Cripps’ endorsement.
“It’s nice (but) I think I like Daisy’s (message more), Teague for PM,” he said.
“That sounds quite nice. I’m not sure how ScoMo is going in the House but we’ll will see what happens.”
Teague insisted he was happy in the job but would wait until the end of the season before considering any offer that might come his way.
The race to lead Carlton could be a two-man contest between Teague and former Brisbane Lions champion Michael Voss.
The Blues reportedly interviewed Voss, currently a Port Adelaide assistant, last month.
If the decision was up to Cripps, the club’s brightest star, Teague would be given a contract tomorrow.
“The way the boys have been playing the last few weeks, the growth is definitely building,” he said.
“Teaguey has brought the best out of certain players in different roles. The boys are buying into those roles.
“It has been some dark times but the boys are starting to really believe and we’ve got some confidence about us.”
Cripps also revealed Teague, Carlton’s forward line coach under Bolton, was a key figure in an off-season recruitment.
“One thing about Teaguey I loved he always speaks his mind but he’s usually fun,” he said.
“All the forwards loved him and that’s a big reason why Mitch McGovern came across from Adelaide because of Teaguey.
“He’s got that balance where he has a laugh in front of the group so everyone relaxes around him but when he flicks the switch and is serious, everyone stares straight through him and tunes in.
“I’ve really loved having him as a senior coach … he’s been awesome.”
Carlton is one of three clubs to have parted ways with coaches this season.
North Melbourne has already appointed homegrown assistant Rhyce Shaw to the top job after Brad Scott’s departure.
St Kilda could also do the same with Brett Ratten in the mix to succeed Alan Richardson.
Leighton
Guest
More evidence to show that Carlton is professional only insofar as the salaries paid to some. What a shambles. The fanboy president and the ghouls threw their toys out of the cot mid season and sacked a coach apparently due to a lack of wins. If that is the criteria for performance then 2018 should have answered that question. So half a season of caretaker ensures, with a shambolic 'process' of individuals (both paid employees and volunteer board members) at Carlton contradicting each other and backtracking in public. It all says that the club from the board down is confused about what it wants, and now its captain is stating what he would like. Tails wagging dogs has plagued Carlton for a long time, whether its wealthy benefactors, nutter supporters or indeed players. A prospective senior coach would be wary of this and any manager worth their salt would be pricing their client accordingly. No great secret that Bolton had his arrangement renegotiated at the end of 2017 to protect him from the habitual Carlton antics. What does Carlton want from a head coach? There is little evidence on display to this long suffering member that the club is clear on this.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Carlton needs to slap a gag order on Chris Judd between now and when the decision is made. So glad we have moved beyond the period of former legends harping on about their views at the Lions, it’s tiresome and unhelpful to hear in the present day
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Voss is the only one they have interviewed so he probably is leading at the moment. I am sure when Teague gets his chance to be interviewed he will jump over Voss.
sammy
Guest
https://www.3aw.com.au/lingy-says-carlton-have-a-someone-in-line-for-the-carlton-job-and-its-not-teague/
Graeme
Guest
What more do Carlton need to see with Teague? Maybe they are trying to get Clarko and Teague will be signed as second fiddle if they miss out?
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Unintentionally I think Cripps explained the Carlton resurgence under Teague. Apart from some new roles for some players, Cripps basically said that playing footy under Teague is fun. We all know that footy is professional, but it still has to be fun for the players to enjoy their footy, and you only get consistent good team performance when the players enjoy their footy.
Bangingon
Guest
Patience is what is needed here. Its a great list and we need the right coach for the journey. Decide at the end of the year
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
No need to Wayne. The club needs to do its due diligence in interviewing all available candidates. If Teague is the man he will be signed at the end of the season.
Wayne Kerr
Guest
Sign him up now.