SENIOR Coach David Teague felt as though Carlton’s performance against Melbourne was “more disappointing” than previous outings.
The Blues were never completely out of the game on the scoreboard against the undefeated Demons, but were outclassed on the MCG as the ladder leaders came away with a 26-point win.
Speaking to media post-match, Teague said the Blues went away from doing what they did well and didn’t nail the fundamentals in the Round 9 clash.
Compared to the style of football played in the opening three quarters against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, Teague said there were clear areas which his side needed to improve ahead of next week’s game against Hawthorn.
“Even though the result was similar, I didn’t think we played as well as we have in some of our other games,” Teague said.
"That one was more disappointing than our other games.
“They got their number behind the ball which we knew they were going to do: I thought our ball use [was disappointing], we kicked it to them.
“That’s one area we have been okay in, but today it was that — along with the contest. They smashed us in hard balls post-clearances and crumbs at both ends of the ground.”
Teague said the challenge for the upcoming week was simple: overturn the last fortnight of results when hosting the Hawks next weekend.
Having lost to top-four hopefuls Port Adelaide, Brisbane, the Western Bulldogs and now Melbourne in the last month, Teague said the Blues needed to start winning games against the competition’s upper echelon for the wheel to turn.
“We’re probably not living up to our own expectations and the pressure we’re putting on ourselves. We’re not living up to that yet,” he said,
“We all want to get there as quickly as possible… but we’ve got to start turning these into wins.
“That comes from doing the basics for 120 minutes, being tough for 120 minutes and working hard for 120 minutes. There were periods of the game where we needed to be stronger and cleaner and use the ball better.
“Effort is not something I question this group on. The ability to concentrate, stay in the moment and do exactly what the team needs is an area for us to continue to grow.”
Teague said the Blues would know more on the extent of David Cuningham’s injury on Monday, but confirmed “it looks like a serious knee injury”.
