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Why Teague must be appointed Carlton coach

Roar Rookie
7th August, 2019
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Roar Rookie
7th August, 2019
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The question of who will coach Carlton in 2020 has been heating up, with David Teague’s campaign gaining momentum from fans and players alike.

On AFL 360, Teague chatted to the hosts and faced questions about the team and his ambitions to become senior coach. The way he handled himself with poise and intellect was admirable.

He chooses his words with a level of respect not only for Carlton but for his role and the coach selection process. His self-assuredness in tackling questions fired at him not only then but after games since he took over is a quality that cannot be overlooked.

He has proven his ability to coach given the circumstances in which he took over from Brendon Bolton, who was instrumental in laying the foundations for the young players we have today.

He has transformed a team filled with talent and potential into a side that is now hugely respected and, at times, feared.

Teague has all the hallmarks of the makings of a great coach – his calmness, his openness and his ability not to stutter or waiver under pressure. He handles questions about the Carlton job with incredible dignity.

David Teague

(Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

I have seen him during open training and he brings pride to the playing group – pride in playing the game their way and allowing them to develop and fight for their place on the team. He is also bringing back the players’ hunger to play AFL for the club.

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He is not mincing words and he is not afraid to be tough when needed. A prime example is the dropping of Mitch McGovern to make him earn his spot and not just assume it was a given.

The surge of support for Teague to become the senior coach at Carlton grows every day.

The players, fans and the club as a whole has warmed to him. Future players will step into a team on the rise that’s striving for success on and off the field.

The club is breeding a culture of respect and admiration across the board and a deep-seated hunger to put on the navy blue and fight for every single quarter. The fans haven’t seen this for a while, and since Teague has taken over, that is exactly what we are seeing.

I don’t want to see a coach who has the mindset of past glories and a game that has passed them by. I want a coach who understands every single facet of the modern game, which includes not only physical health but mental fitness as well.

I want a coach who understands the modern game on all levels and what this entails. For some coaches, the game as a senior coach as passed them by – but they would be great mentors.

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The club stands on a precipice in terms of who they appoint as senior coach, and I like the fact that they are taking their time and probably waiting until the end of the season.

But they shouldn’t wait too long because the footy world is watching and there may be a star player out there who is looking at leaving their current club and is deciding where to make their next step in their career.

The signing of Teague could be just the nudge that will make this type of player take that next step and nominate Carlton.

If Teague is signed, give him the support and time to develop the club and the team we all want.

The foundations are there.

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