Carlton coach David Teague says he would understand if the Blues sought out Alastair Clarkson but he’s backing himself to remain in charge of the AFL club.
Already under-pressure after Carlton’s underwhelming season, Teague now has to deal with the greatest coach of the modern era becoming available.
As Hawthorn on Friday announced they would be bringing forward Clarkson’s exit from Waverley Park by 12 months to the end of this season, attention immediately switched to where the four-time premiership coach could land next.
Carlton produced their best performance of the season just hours after the Hawks’ coaching plans were revealed, smashing St Kilda by 31 points at Marvel Stadium.
As good as the victory was, an external review into the Blues’ footy department is still ongoing and Teague’s position is not safe.
(Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Teague, who still has a year left on his contract, claimed he paid no attention to Hawthorn’s announcement and was focused on the match against the Saints.
“I’m really comfortable with the people we have here and what we’re doing here and I’m confident in the direction we’re going,” Teague said.
“I understand there’s going to be people out there that want to write a narrative, but right now I’m proud of our effort.
“I’d understand them (Carlton) wanting to (approach Clarkson). He’s been a great coach for a long time but I’m going to back myself in.
“We’ve got good people here and I think the direction we’re going and what we’re doing here (is positive).
“I think I’m the right person to keep going forward with this footy club.
“I’ve got confidence in what I’m doing and what we’re doing as a group, and right now, I’m going to sit back and enjoy tonight’s efforts.”
Carlton sit 8-11 and still have an outside chance of making finals for the first time since 2013.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Gov is.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Can’t be the players fault I suppose.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Dow and O’Brien are the exact players we need - if they both come through our midfield looks really good if the both fail we need players like Stocker, Philip and Carroll to take up the reins but none have Dow’s explosiveness or O’Brien’s endurance and foot skills
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
SPS in the 2s. That's a coaching failure. Little Gov is only a depth player.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He'll do a Rossy. More cushy, more fun and probably more lucrative in the media. Both have that quirkiness that provides media magnetism. Malthouse...but with personality.
Macca
Roar Rookie
He and SPS were best on in the 2’s today
Gerald
Guest
He should do what gets goals, not what minimises supporter cringe.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Williams having played at Collingwood will be a big help,If you go a rookie coach he need's someone next to him with experience
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Dont know,never heard any dramas coming out of Alberton,they would both know about each other's personalities,I believe it would be a great fit.No teething problems you would think
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yeah hub I like that a lot. Do they get on Williams and Kingsley?
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
David teaugue might be there again 2022 if they can win the last 3 games.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
thats what I meant sa side kick,kingsley head coach
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Like it Brendon
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I must admit I'm one of those people but I have a lead foot so I make sure there's at least one driver you beat at the start and habe plenty of room to merge. Well thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it.lol. I hate it when people use those lanes but then take off snails pace and like you said just expect everybody to let them in.lol.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
It feels like Dow is almost a key to Carlton's fortunes, if he fulfills his high draft pick potential he gives you another blue chip mid, and from what I can see that's about all you're missing. Still not sure Liam Jones would be up to it come finals time either
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I hate people that line up in the lane that’s going to end 15m after the traffic light when they can clearly see the massive line in the other two lanes (grand junction and main north Rd intersection) then they go over the lights and just merge It’s like pushing in to the canteen line at school, selfish.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
It's a reality TV kick
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Hopefully last night means the McGovern experiment has breathed it's last breath
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
We had our own blog going on the Clarkson article lol, score updates from Andy and everything
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I think he said as much, can't see him coaching next year.