AS PART of Carlton Media’s commitment to keep members and fans connected during the AFL shutdown, Senior Coach David Teague took to Twitter to answer your questions. 

Here are a few of the best.

How are you managing the players wellbeing during the time away from the club? – Alice

DT: We do a survey each week to check in but we’re also really trying to engage through Zoom meetings, phone calls etc.

Who has been the biggest improver in your time as head coach? Whose accomplishments are you most proud of in your time as head coach? – Michael

DT: Levi’s finish to last year was outstanding, getting thrown all over the ground. From a team aspect, the intensity they trained at over pre-season was what I really enjoyed watching.

Do think that Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow & Eddie Betts will be ready come round 2? – Steven

DT: Eddie will be, Harry should be and with Charlie, we’ll have to wait and see.

As a fan at times it feels baffling that a forward kicks a goal and feels like they are"rewarded" by spending 2-3 minutes on the bench... Do you think coaches can OVER analyse the "data" and not FEEL what's happening in the moment? - James

DT: Great point. Sometimes that rotation has been organised before the goal has been kicked, or the player is coming off because he’s exhausted

Where do you see SPS playing his best footy for the club? He played well across HB last year, but with more backs coming back to fitness, is he more suited playing another role for the club? – Joe

DT: At this stage, across half back: he was really good for us in Round 1. Having said that, he has shown he can have a big impact through the midfield as well so we have options.

When social distancing measures are relaxed, will you be challenging @HarfSerious for his recently awarded contested possession title. If so what is your preferred structure? – Andy

DT: I wouldn’t. It’s hard to get lower than @HarfSerious since his bottom drags along the ground. To be fair, he was very good at the ground ball. I’ll get him in the air.

Why did we lay 23 tackles in round 1 when we had 7 months to prepare for it mentally? – Sal

DT: This was the most disappointing part of the game: it’s something we need to work on. What I was happy with was winning the ground balls and getting in first for the ball.

With the season in a weird situation this year and not knowing the extent of the games we will actually get, have you and the club had to change the approach on expectations on finishing position in a way? – Stephanie

DT: The answer is no: we’re still aiming to get better and we go out there to win every game of football we play in.

How do you plan on stopping our slow starts each week, where we end up playing catch up? – Johnny

DT: Great question. It’s been an issue for too long now. We started very well against Brisbane in the Marsh Community Series so that should be how we start our games.

How far was Willo from playing round 1? He had a great pre-season. – Kylie

DT: He was very close and you're right, he had a very good pre-season. He needs to continue that: I think he'll be a very good player for this football club.