Carlton coach David Teague under pressure after loss to North Melbourne

Carlton coach David Teague will be feeling the heat after his side slumped to a shocking loss to North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

David Teague is under increasing pressure after Carlton’s disappointing loss to North Melbourne. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Pressure is mounting on Carlton coach David Teague after the Blues slumped to a 39-point loss to North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Kangaroos were powered by sensational performances from their young brigade, as they defeated Carlton 18.8 (116) to 11.11 (77).

Watch The 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

After a tight first half, a seven-goal third term proved critical for North Melbourne, with Nick Larkey kicking three goals in that quarter alone.

The young forward finished with seven goals to his name in a career-best performance.

Fellow North youngsters Tarryn Thomas and Jaidyn Stephenson also hit the scoreboard with ease, kicking four and three goals respectively.

Carlton’s slim chances of playing finals appear over after a shock loss to North Melbourne. Photo: Michael Klein

The result is nothing short of a disaster for the Blues and all but rules out any chance of them making a late charge for the top eight and playing finals this season.

Carlton struggled to find a target up forward without Coleman-medal leader Harry McKay, who did not play in the match due a toe injury.

It was a disappointing loss for Blues midfielder Ed Curnow, who was playing his 200th AFL game.

Season on the line, 200th game for a club favourite and you’re dismantled by the 18th ranked team in the competition.

Says a bit about where Carlton are at. #aflbluesroos

— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) July 24, 2021

For a side fighting for finals, this quarter by Carlton has to be among the worst this year.

— TomRehn9 (@tomrehn9) July 24, 2021

Grim stuff for Carlton. Top 8 spot was potentially up for grabs and they get done by 39-points to bottom of the table side #AFLBluesRoos

— Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack7) July 24, 2021

Compounding the Blues’ woes was a hamstring injury to recruit Zac Williams late in the second quarter, which forced him to be substituted out of the game.

The loss, Carlton’s heaviest since round 23 in 2019, will undoubtedly heap pressure on coach Teague as the season comes to an end.

North Melbourne are still on the bottom of the AFL ladder but the result sees them draw level with 17th-placed Hawthorn on 18 points in the race to avoid the wooden spoon.