THERE'S a part of interim Carlton coach David Teague that loves the fight his side is showing when it's down.

Then there's the other part, that wants to see the Blues bring it earlier.

Fair enough too, because in all four of Teague's games in charge, the team has trailed before retaliating.

Mitch McGovern attempts a mark under pressure. Picture: AFL Photos

Against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, Carlton fought back from 38 points down late in the third quarter to hit the lead with minutes remaining, but Jayden Hunt booted a goal to edge the Dees back in front.

The week prior, it trailed by 30 points to Fremantle out west but a Marc Murphy snap produced a last-gasp win.

Before that, the Blues were down to the Western Bulldogs by 34 points but came home with a rush to lose by just three.

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In Teague's first game in charge, against Brisbane in round 12, Carlton fell 37 points in arrears before pulling out an unlikely victory.

Teague explained his emotions to reporters in the aftermath of the Demons clash.

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"It was an interesting one. I said to the players it was a hard one to rate, because part of me loved their character, their fight, their resilience, their determination and then another half of me was going 'We need to start turning up to be the aggressors from the word go and not wait to see what challenge faces us'," Teague said.

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He identified the problem.

"It's probably a mindset, making sure that we've got enough players getting the job done early," Teague said.

Key defender Jacob Weitering suffered a broken nose. It's not clear yet whether he will face Sydney next Saturday afternoon at the SCG.

WATCH David Teague's full post-match press conference

A few should return though, including inspirational skipper Patrick Cripps, who is dealing with a foot sprain.

"That's the plan. I thought he might have been right this week. I think Cripps, Harry (McKay) and Dave Cuningham should all be close to selection next week," Teague said.