Teague unveiled as Carlton head coach

David Teague has been unveiled as Carlton’s head coach and will lead the side for at least the next three seasons.

Since taking over as interim coach in Round 12, he won five of his nine games in charge as interim coach this season.

Teague becomes the 34th coach in the Blues’ 115-year history after spending time in assistant roles with West Coast, St Kilda and Adelaide.

He spoke to reporters this morning about his joy in landing the role.

“It’s an absolute honour to coach this football club,” he said.

“It’s been a journey to get here. My family have done it tough, moving to Perth and Adelaide.

“To get this opportunity now, I’m really excited. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I said to the players and I’ve said to the supporters I really believe in this playing group, I believe in the direction the football club’s going in. I think we’re all very aligned.”

Teague also admitted that if he didn’t land the role, he would find it difficult to stay on as an assistant coach.

“I’ve always wanted to be a senior coach and if you gave me the 18 teams and said which one would I pick? It would be this one,” he said.

“Nine weeks ago, I could see this playing group, I knew there was more in them.

“To feel like you’ve had a part in getting the best out of them lately has been something I’ve really enjoyed.

“To be honest, if I didn’t get it, I think I’d find it hard to go back and be an assistant.

“The last nine weeks have been right up there with the best nine weeks in terms of my coaching enjoyment.”

Teague played 83 games for both Carlton and North Melbourne, winning a John Nicholls Medal during his time in navy blue.

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