“OUR supporters and members have been phenomenal for this footy club and we’d love to be able to give something back to them.”
Senior Coach David Teague has reiterated his stance that he would support any player who chooses not to enter the proposed hubs for the season’s resumption.
However, he believed that the widespread emotion amongst the playing group was one of excitement.
As conversation continues to rage about the potential return to football and what model it would adopt, Teague spoke to media on Friday to provide an update on his and the Club’s stance.
While so much remains up in the air, he said one thing that hadn’t changed was Carlton’s commitment to its people.
“I said pretty early on when they mentioned the hub ideas that I’d support any player who chooses not to go in there,” Teague said.
“I understand the concerns… I feel comfortable with that.
“What I’ve gauged from our playing group is there are going to be 22 players that are really excited and want to go in there and play well. They all seem really keen.”
Teague said he had been overwhelmed by the support of Carlton’s members and fan base throughout this time, and was hoping to give something to get excited about from their lounge rooms.
He said that sentiment was spread across the board with the players as well.
“We’ll put in our best team that’s available and I think our players, from what I’m hearing, are excited about playing footy again and being able to give our supporters something to cheer about,” he said.
As someone who has been in the game for 20 years, Teague has thought about the personal repercussions of entering a hub with a young family at home.
He said he’d spoken with his wife and understood the challenges that could present in the coming weeks.
“I’ve had a discussion with my wife and she was incredibly supportive,” he said.
“She said in my role and for the game, to play my part for the game, to be a custodian of the game — we’re a part of this bigger picture.
“Right now, to be able to keep the game going and supported is something I feel really comfortable to do. Will I miss my kids? Absolutely.
“The game has given me a lot and it’s my chance to give something back.”
