The stakes are high for David Teague - has he lost the players

St Kilda are only half a game outside the eight, and Carlton not far behind, but Friday night’s clash is between arguably the two biggest disappointments of the season.

Two campaigns that began with so much hope are set to end in disappointment.

It was around this time last year I wrote about how the Saints recruiting, game style and obvious hunger could set them up for a sustained finals tilt.

While they might scrape into September, they haven’t made any ground on the teams above them. In fact, the gap from West Coast in seventh down to that next rung â€" not including Richmond â€" is stark.

For David Teague, the stakes this week are even higher.

David Teague talks to his players last week.Credit:Getty Images

While the club’s review will ultimately recommend what changes need to be made across the football department, whether it be in coaching, fitness or otherwise, the decision-making could prove much simpler.

Irrespective of who is available on Friday night, the effort of the players will tell us if the Blues should persist with Teague beyond this season.

Last week’s loss to North Melbourne was simply deplorable.

For a team knocking on the door of a breakthrough finals appearance to fold like Carlton did in the second half says a lot about the mindset of the playing group.

The Blues were two points up at half-time but when the going got tough there was no response.

When Teague strode onto the ground at three-quarter time he looked fired up. The question I have is: did any of the players fear what was about to come?

Given the performance, it seems like there can only be one answer â€" no, a flat no.

That was as bad a quarter as you’re likely to see. The Blues simply surrendered and if it happens again, does the board have any other choice but to cut its losses with the coach?

There’s been plenty of talk about the form of Patrick Cripps and, for the most part, I think his critics have been too harsh.

I’ve got the greatest respect for Leigh Matthews - who described the Blue as a “journeyman” and someone who has “aged badly” - and I agree Cripps is not covering the ground or playing to the level he reached in 2019.

But he still led the Blues in clearances and goals against the Roos, and is number one in clearances at Carlton for the entire season.

Outside of Sam Walsh, Cripps is getting minimal support in that midfield and given the mixed messaging at the start of the year, we probably still don’t know the full extent of what he’s been carrying injury-wise.

In many respects, he’s carried this club through some lean times, much like Marc Murphy did before him. I don’t have a problem with the Blues nursing Murphy to 300 games â€" he deserves it.

Some have questioned whether it compromises selection integrity, but when you see some of the other players getting a game, he can still play a role.

Charlie Curnow’s return is certainly something to look forward to for the fans, but at the same time it reeks of desperation.

After multiple knee surgeries and more than two years out of the game, the Blues have been so patient with his recovery.

So, why is he playing AFL footy after just two scratch matches? Surely, after such a long period of time on the sidelines you’d want to get him at least one genuine VFL game â€" which they could do this weekend.

Only the Blues’ coaching and fitness staff will know if he is truly ready. Ideally you want to give him a taste of senior football before the end of the year, so he can take that into the next pre-season.

But even if his body gets through unscathed, if he’s miles off the pace that can be deflating. And if he breaks down, that could crush him.

Fingers crossed Charlie gets through and plays well.

A forward-pairing of Curnow and Harry McKay â€" if they’re ever fit at the same time â€" will provide real headaches for any opposition.

McKay has finally realised how good he can be. Sometimes it only takes one game to know you belong at AFL level.

The Saints will be hoping that’s the case for Max King.

Before his six-goal performance against the Eagles last weekend, we’d only seen glimpses of his enormous potential.

While West Coast was without Tom Barrass, King was still dominant against a seasoned defence. His marking has been stronger, and he’s clearly been working on his set shot goalkicking.

Like Curnow and McKay at Carlton, King can also do something few other players at St Kilda or Carlton can, by ensuring, even without finals this year, his club salvages something from the season â€" hope.

Two-time AFL premiership captain and columnist for The Age.

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