Carlton coach David Teague says his AFL side will bond, rather than sulk, after their stint away from home was extended through to another round.
The Blues are one of several clubs to have rapidly rejigged plans because of Melbourne’s COVID-19 outbreak and ensuing border closures.
Carlton were told last Tuesday night they would likely need to fly ahead of schedule for a round-11 clash with Sydney at the SCG.
The AFL’s initial advice was that Teague’s team, having flown out on a hastily booked flight last Wednesday, would return home after playing the Swans on Sunday.
That didn’t transpire after Sunday’s 22-point loss, with Carlton now planning to stay in the NSW capital for the coming week.
The league is yet to announce its rejigged round-12 fixture but it appears likely the Blues will ‘host’ their home game against West Coast at the SCG.
“We need to bond. We’ll pick our lip quickly, we’re not going to sulk,” Teague said.
“We are starting to get a bit used to it in terms of the uncertainty.
“We originally got told five days. Everyone has packed for longer than five days, except me.
“I was the only bloke. I was really stubborn and thought ‘nah, nah – they said five days and I’m going to stick to it’.
“Speaking to all the players, they’ve gone ‘we always thought it’d be longer’ … we’ve got the bye after next week, so hopefully after the next game we should be back in Melbourne.”
The AFL has confirmed the Dreamtime feature match between Richmond and Essendon will be played in Perth on Saturday.
The league’s remaining plans for Round 12, which is now unlikely to feature a game in Melbourne, are expected to be rubber stamped soon.
The St Kilda-Sydney contest, scheduled for Marvel Stadium, is set to be shifted outside Victoria.
Friday night’s encounter between ladder leaders Melbourne and fellow flag contenders Brisbane is likely to be moved from Alice Springs, either to Sydney or Queensland.
Western Bulldogs will be based in Sydney this week then fly out on Saturday their clash with Fremantle in Perth.
The AFL is still trying to secure exemptions that could allow Collingwood to travel to South Australia for their match against Adelaide.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Hope your right . But watching again last week Carlton play excellent footy for periods, and drop off & let sides back into a winning position. It’s a regular problem that Teague can’t get on top of . I’d be shocked if west cst drop this , not shocked if Carlton do.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
They have a slight chance,because you can't trust West Coast winning on the road all the time.they are hot and cold team. Your comment has some merit.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Fabian, with all due respect the season was over round 8 . There is no chance of any September action 2021 , and 2022 looking shaky . . The only one who has “ absolute belief in the playing group, who by the way must get better” Is Teague. Won’t beat Wst cst.
Bludger
Guest
They won't now as it is. And even if they did manage to get into 8th position they would get flogged in the first week and go straight out.
Bludger
Guest
Carlton didn't recruit very well and we all know that player's make coaches, just look at how lousy Hawthorn are with their 'supercoach'. Dud! Williams and McGovern are completely lousy. Embarrassingly bad choices. Now it is time for a clean out of the football staff at the Blues and hopefully bring in some competent folk.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
Carlton has to beat West coast eagles,or they will not play finals 2021. no more Excuses.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Your first priority is making the final 8 Premierships are a pipe dream!
okapiman
Roar Rookie
Instead of all Collingwood articles, a good one would be on Carlton 2022. 2021 is essentially over... and prima facie the Carlton team is riddled with talent... how comes Carlton breaks down year after year... with Cripps - Carlton should be able to win a premiership.. these types of players are rare..
DEESNUTSRBIG
Guest
Carlton simply aren't fit enough and the lack of chasing/pressure is evident. Teague plays players out of position far too often which also hurts. Carlton have enough talent at the club to be much better. Things can turn around quick just look at the Dees and Goodwins pathetic effort the previous 2 seasons. Weitering-McKay-Walsh-Cripps-Docherty-C.Curnow, Saad-Williams-Martin is plenty of talent to work with. T.DeKoning is on the rise big too.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Galvanise for another honourable loss?
okapiman
Roar Rookie
Nothing can galvanise Carlton from what I have seen. Teague has to be worst case for words v actions. We want to see 3-4 games in a row where Carlton show grit, fight to the end, win 2 or games against teams higher on the ladder.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Free range eggs are better than caged eggs!