Bombshell new twist in David Teague's messy Carlton coaching saga

Former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has emerged as potential successor to David Teague at Carlton in a bombshell nee development in the drawn out saga.

The future of Blues mentor Teague has been the subject of intense speculation, and Carlton bosses were widely expected to announce his exit on Monday morning.

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Teague's position has become increasingly unstable after Carlton launched an external review into their football department earlier this season.

However, Carlton stunned the AFL world on Monday after cancelled an all-club meeting for Monday morning and instead released a statement saying more time was required before making a call on the embattled coach's future.

Carlton President Luke Sayers issued a letter to members explaining the process and insisting that the club wouldn't be rushed into making a decision.

Speaking on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night, respected AFL journalist Caroline Wilson said the club's delay was believed to be centred around their desire to appoint Clarkson as the new Blues coach.

“Everybody felt that David Teague — I hate to put it this way — but would be put out of his misery in the early days that followed Carlton’s last game," Wilson said.

“They might have a crack about ‘external pressure’ there ... but what about David Teague? My understanding is David Teague was told today (Monday) he might not know until the end of the week. It might take a week for him to know his future at Carlton.

“They’re waiting for Alastair Clarkson. As I’ve been saying since round one this year, they’ve been interested in Alastair.

“I think what happens now is just extraordinary for David Teague. Do they believe they would keep David Teague if Alastair said no? I don’t believe so. So why not just give him the news and give it to him today?”

Former St Kilda and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon's name has also been in the mix to potentially take over at Carlton after he last week confirmed that he'd be interested if the club came calling.

Eddie Betts backs David Teague

Retiring Carlton legend Eddie Betts on Monday threw his support behind Teague, and insisted the coach deserved clarity on his future as soon as possible.

"It has been pretty tough, but I guess he's doing okay and like he said after the game, you wish he had more support from the football club," Betts told reporters.

"But yeah, he's doing OK and I spoke to him. We'll see what happens."

Teague has coached Carlton to 21 wins and 29 losses across 50 games since he took charge, initially as a caretaker coach, in 2019.

Curiously, his record is actually better than Clarkson's and Richmond coach Damien Hardwick's after their first 50 AFL games.

"I think he does (deserve some clarity on his future)," Betts said.

"I looked at the stat today that was posted - with the 50 games that he's coached, his win percentage is better than Clarko's (Alastair Clarkson) and Dimma's (Damien Hardwick).

"I believe he's the right man for the job - it's whether the club does."

Betts retired at season's end after 350 games and 640 goals - 132 games and 310 goals at Adelaide and 218 games and 330 goals across two stints at Carlton.

The 34-year-old said he'd put the onus on his now-former teammates to turn things around and deliver the club's first finals appearance since 2013.

with AAP

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