CARLTON forwards coach David Teague says recent re-signings and competitive performances against quality opposition have instilled further confidence within the playing group.
Teague, who took charge of the Blues’ forward line this season after crossing over from Adelaide, caught up with Carlton Media to discuss the defeat to Port Adelaide, the team's growth, focuses for the Blues' attack, Jarrod Pickett's return and more.
On the defeat to Port Adelaide:
“At the weekend’s game we converted well. Once we got it inside our 50 we scored quite well. The challenge at the moment is getting it in there more and following our system of getting the ball into our 50 and getting the game played in our half.
“We’re doing a lot of our game out of our back half, so the guys are working really hard on that on the training track. The drills are often based around our ability to move the ball and our ability to defend it so hopefully we can continue to see that growth.
“If we keep taking steps forward I think it gives players a lot of confidence and belief in the system and the game plan.”
On Jarrod Pickett’s return:
“It was good to have Jarrod Pickett back in the team. He’s very exciting. I think the fans would love seeing him.
“He’s got to continue to grow his game. It was his first game back and when he got around the ball he looked good. He’s probably just got to continue to work hard and get to as many contests as he can because when he’s there he generally does pretty well. Hopefully that will continue to grow as our game does and over the year he will get to more and more contests.”
On the group’s growth:
“Our effort’s been good in the last couple of games. Our performances have been there about. We have probably still got to put four quarters together. There have been lapses in moments.
“The boys have been working hard on the training track. In the last couple of weeks they have been understanding how hard they can train and still perform, which has been really good to watch.
“We need to continue to work on our ball movement and getting the ball forward nice and quickly. We’ve seen when we do that, the guys down there look dangerous. We’ve just got to get it down there a little bit more.”
David Teague is in first season in charge of Carlton's forward line. (Photo: AFL Media)
On Charlie Curnow and Marc Murphy recently recommitting:
“It’s really exciting to have players re-signed. It shows their belief in the plan, and in what we’re trying to do and where we are going. I think it’s a positive sign.
“Obviously, they are very good players and having them wearing the navy blue for a few more years is very exciting for our fans.”
