CARLTON caretaker coach David Teague has challenged his side to become more consistent but believes there are exciting times ahead if the Blues can maintain the form that almost saw them secure a last-gasp victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
In a see-sawing affair, the Bulldogs looked to have finally claimed the ascendency after Pat Lipinski put them 34 points in front midway through the last term.
The Blues then kicked five consecutive goals in seven minutes to get within three points late in the quarter, but the Dogs just held on to win.
DOGS SURVIVE SCARE Full match coverage and stats
While Teague was proud of the comeback, he was disappointed his side couldn't execute well enough to come away with the win.
He said the game showed the Blues could play really good football, but he admitted this needed to be matched with grater consistency.
"The challenge for us as a group is becoming more consistent … It's probably been a message all year," Teague said.
WATCH The last two minutes
"We've just got to (play well) for longer and the pleasing thing as a coach is I think our game style will hold up.
"If we can get the players believing in it, and get the supporters along on the journey, I think it's going to be exciting times."
The Blues were hurt by a poor start, with the Dogs running out to a 19-point lead at quarter time.
SHOWREEL Seven goal Curnow show
Bulldogs midfielders Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley all found plenty of the ball early on, amassing 39 touches between them by the end of the first term.
Ed Curnow eventually went to Bontempelli in a tagging role in the second term, and Teague defended not making the move earlier.
"If Ed was on him at the start, would it have made a difference? Maybe, but we probably shifted the game when we started competing more in the contest, which allowed the other guys to go to work," he said.
WATCH David Teague's full post-match press conference
"In hindsight, I was comfortable with the strategy we went into. It was probably our execution and ability early (that cost us).
"I thought their mids were outstanding in the contest and their ability to spread from there … I thought that was probably where early in the game they got a hold of us."
Carlton's shining light up forward was Charlie Curnow, who kicked a career-high seven goals.
Teague lauded not only Curnow's performance but the ability of the whole forward line to work together.
"What I've been pleased with is the way they've worked together as forwards," Teague said.
"Charlie had the match-up today and the other boys allowed him to get one-on-one contests.
"Harry (McKay), Mitch (McGovern) and Charlie … to get nine goals between them is really good but I thought Charlie today put his hand up and competed strongly and looked very dangerous."
