For David Teague, the 2021 AFL season represents an opportunity to end Carlton’s seven-year absence from the finals. Not only that, but he’s in control of the Blues’ short-term destiny, and the team’s fans will be longing to return to the Grand Final, having last appeared in the event back in 1999. However, 22 years ago, Carlton suffered defeat to North Melbourne and couldn’t clinch their 17th Grand Final title. After an 11th-place finish in the 2020 season, the Blues missed out on the finals by four points, meaning that the pressure is on this year. So, is Teague the man to return the Old Dark Navy Blues back to the pinnacle?

Under Pressure to Deliver

In Carlton’s history, few players share a legacy similar to Robert Walls. Having begun his career with the Old Dark Navy Blues in 1967, the centre half-forward would spend the next 11 years of his professional career with the Blues in Melbourne. During his time with the team, Walls won three VFL Premierships as a player and one as a coach in 1987. In fact, following his departure in 1989, Carlton have since made just one Grand Final.

Few in the sport know what it takes to reach the finals more than the 70-year-old. Having failed to qualify in 2020, Walls has stated that, should Carlton fail to make the finals in 2021, the Blues may have to “cast the net” and look to move on from Teague. Currently, the 39-year-old coach is contracted to the Melbourne-based team until 2022. However, it’s not out of the question, certainly in Walls’ opinion, that his reign could come to an end prior to that date. The 70-year-old cites steady improvements as to why this should be the year to make that leap and end the ongoing seven-year finals drought.

Could 2021 Be the Year?

Carlton are the most successful team in the AFL’s history from a Grand Final standpoint. In the 29 matches that they’ve played, the Blues have triumphed on 16 occasions, giving them a win percentage of 55.17. That said, the 157-year-old team are also one of the unluckiest sides in Grand Final history. At the time of writing, only Collingwood and Essendon have lost in the event more frequently. Although Walls isn’t demanding that Carlton go all the way in 2021, he expects to see a return to the finals. For a team of the Blues’ history, that shouldn’t be an impossible task.

As a coach, the 70-year-old has no issues with Teague. That said, he acknowledges the harsh reality of Aussie Rules football. Like most sports, it’s a results-based business, and decisions can be ruthless at times. Off the pitch, Walls recognises that Carlton’s in a better place, but it’s now “time to deliver” on the field. As of March 2nd, the Blues are currently 5/1 in Aussie Rules betting to finish in the top four in 2021. Should they achieve that finish, then it will be a testament to Teague’s coaching abilities.

A Big Season Awaits Teague

Since taking over, few can argue that the 39-year-old hasn’t taken Carlton in the right direction. However, he’s now faced with his biggest challenge yet. Make no mistake about it, a team of the Blues’ history shouldn’t be missing out on the finals, and now it’s time for Teague to rectify their recent failures and orchestrate a much-needed revival.