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'What a disgrace': AFL world erupts over David Teague sacking

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·4-min read
David Teague, pictured here during Carlton's clash with GWS.
David Teague looks on during Carlton's clash with GWS. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) (AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL fans and commentators have savaged the Carlton football club after news of coach David Teague's sacking was revealed on Thursday.

The Blues were expected to make a call on Monday about the under-siege coach but delayed their decision.

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However Teague learned his fate on Thursday morning and informed players before the club made a public announcement, several hours later.

Blues president Luke Sayers claimed in a letter to members it would have been "irresponsible to ignore the decisions that had to be made".

Sayers also revealed four changes to the club's board, with Jeanne Pratt, Chris Judd and Christopher Townshend joining Mark LoGiudice in stepping down.

Former St Kilda and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is among the leading contenders to replace him.

Carlton were also believed to be chasing former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson before he confirmed he will be taking a break from AFL in 2022.

Carlton's treatment of Teague has left a sour taste in the mouths of AFL commentators and fans, and the vitriol was flying thick and fast after news of his sacking.

AFL world seethes of treatment of David Teague

AFL legend Leigh Matthews was scathing in his assessment of the situation on Wednesday.

“You wonder who’s running the footy club at Carlton,” Matthews told Sportsday.

“I must say, from the outside, whoever’s running that football club has got no idea how to run a football club.

“I reckon it’s the people at the top of that football club that are the problem. Somehow or other, that is just not working."

Teague had previously flagged his expectation a call would be made on his future at the start of this week, and didn't expect it to fall in his favour.

Retiring Blues champion Eddie Betts told reporters that Teague deserved clarity on his coaching future.

David Teague, pictured here being consoled by Charlie Curnow during Carlton's clash with GWS.
David Teague is consoled by Charlie Curnow during Carlton's clash with GWS. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) (AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"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 said.

"But yeah, he's doing OK and I spoke to him. We'll see what happens. I think he does (deserve some clarity on his future).

"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."

Teague had lamented a perceived lack of support from within Carlton as pressure mounted on his position in just his second full season in the hot seat.

The 40-year-old had coached Carlton to 21 wins and 29 defeats since initially taking over as a caretaker coach ahead of round 12 in 2019.

He was named full-time coach in August that year and signed a three-year deal.

with AAP

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