Dealing with attention
Teague questions rivals’ approach to Cripps
CARLTON coach David Teague says he has discussed ways of “trying to combat” opposition attention on Patrick Cripps, but stopped short of suggesting his co-captain was unfairly treated.
The Blues indicated this week they would raise Cripps’s treatment at the hands of North Melbourne in last Saturday’s win with the AFL umpiring department.
Teague said it was nothing new for teams to target the opposition’s best players, but he was focused on what he could do about it, rather than pointing fingers.
“Every opposition puts a lot of time into the opposition’s best players and Patrick is that for us,” he said.
“I don’t get too caught into it. I speak to Patrick about his role, we talk about ways of trying to combat it.
“But in terms of the umpiring, I feel they are doing their best and I feel it’s very hard to watch every contest at once.”
The lack of free kicks awarded to Cripps, and opposition tactics at stoppages are a concern for the Blues.
Teague said he was not aware of the response from the AFL, but backed Cripps to continue “attacking the ball”.
“I think maybe the club followed up. I haven’t heard of the response,” he said.
“It’s got a bit of attention this week, but this is quite common. But what we love is the way that Patrick goes about it and he keeps attacking the ball and keeps competing for us. I will try to focus on what we can control and that’s the way that Patrick plays and his role for the team, and he has been really strong in that area.”
The Blues claimed their fourth win of the season last week. But Teague said they had to work on limiting lapses in matches.
Despite the heat on Hawthorn’s performances before the clash at Optus Stadium, he was prepared for a strong response from the Hawks.
“Good teams respond … so we will prepare for them to come out strong,” he said.