Carlton coach David Teague under pressure after loss to North Melbourne

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).

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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.

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.

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.