Carlton coach David Teague says he would understand if the Blues sought out Alastair Clarkson but he's backing himself to remain in charge of the AFL club.
Already under-pressure after Carlton's underwhelming season, Teague now has to deal with the greatest coach of the modern era becoming available.
As Hawthorn on Friday announced they would be bringing forward Clarkson's exit from Waverley Park by 12 months to the end of this season, attention immediately switched to where the four-time premiership coach could land next.
Carlton produced their best performance of the season just hours after the Hawks' coaching plans were revealed, smashing St Kilda by 31 points at Marvel Stadium.
As good as the victory was, an external review into the Blues' football department is still ongoing and Teague's position is not safe.
Teague, who still has a year left on his contract, claimed he paid no attention to Hawthorn's announcement and was focused on the match against the Saints.
"I'm really comfortable with the people we have here and what we're doing here and I'm confident in the direction we're going," Teague said.
"I understand there's going to be people out there that want to write a narrative, but right now I'm proud of our effort.
"I'd understand them (Carlton) wanting to (approach Clarkson). He's been a great coach for a long time but I'm going to back myself in.
"We've got good people here and I think the direction we're going and what we're doing here (is positive).
"I think I'm the right person to keep going forward with this footy club.
"I've got confidence in what I'm doing and what we're doing as a group, and right now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy tonight's efforts."
Carlton sit 8-11 and still have an outside chance of making finals for the first time since 2013.
