Carlton coach David Teague. Image: carltonfc.com.au
Carlton coach David Teague has lamented his sides lacklustre start the season, admitting frustration at his sides stagnant progress thus far this season.
At 3 wins and 6 losses, the Blues season hangs in the balance as they prepare to take on 17th placed Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon at the MCG. A matchup that if recent head-to-head history suggests, is not favourable for a Carlton side desperately seeking a win to keep their finals hopes alive and on track.
Since 2005, Carlton has only defeated Hawthorn Twice. Once in 2006 which was Eddie Betts’ second year of senior football and the most recent victory coming in Round 22 2017 at Marvel Stadium.
While Teague still has a firm belief in his playing group and maintains that they are indeed on the right track, he has expressed his frustrations and conceded that the progression hasn’t been as quick as he or the Carlton members and fans would have liked.
“To be honest the progress probably hasn’t been as quick with this group as it has in the past,” Teague said to the media on Thursday.
“early doors when I first took over, it was quicker. It’s a tough one, it can be really frustrating, particularly for our fans.
“We’re probably not progressing as quick but we’re still seeing small bits of growth and the challenge for us is to keep growing, keep our habits really strong.
“I’m reading a book at the moment ‘Atomic Habits’ and they talk about this light bulb moment where it just pops and right now we’re waiting for that to happen”
Teague had no update on the contract status of co-captain Patrick Cripps after a report this week that he had re-committed to the Blues for a further four years, but remains confident that a deal and announcement will happen in due course.
“I’m pretty confident that he will [sign on]. It’s not something I’ve spent so much energy thinking about” Teague said.
“I think for our fans, our playing group, as much for Patrick, he cares about this playing group and club as much as anyone.”
“we’ve seen for a long period of time he’s put his body on the line for the club and for the jumper and i thought last week he was strong and tough and powerful after being criticized and questioned”
Key forward and fellow out of contract star Harry McKay was on the track sporting a strapped shoulder after playing through the pain on the weekend. Carlton says he has been playing through a niggling pain for a few weeks now and it will be about managing the power forward through the next few weeks.
McKay is expected to take his place in the team against Hawthorn. Jack Silvagni will return for the Blues after completing his 12-day mandatory concussion layoff but fellow forward Jack Martin is still a week away having not played since Round 2 with a PCL injury.
Paddy Dow and Tom Williamson trained away from the main group.
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