Blues cruise as Teague steers Carlton toward finals finish

Carlton remain in the chase for a top-eight finish following their emphatic 31-point victory over fellow finals hopefuls St Kilda.

The Blues had a historic night in front of goal, booting 18.4 in what is the most accurate showing in front of goal in the club's history.

Five goals from Coleman Medal leader Harry McKay and three majors in a best-on-ground performance by Sam Walsh saw the Blues leap into 11th place on the ladder.

The night was highlighted by Charlie Curnow's long-awaited return to the team, with the promising key forward managing one goal from eight disposals in what was a successful comeback for the 24-year-old.

With three matches remaining in the season, Carlton will need a near-perfect finish to clinch a finals placing, while the Saints now face an uphill battle to retain a position in the September action.

The loss is St Kilda's 11th of the year as they drop to five spots outside of the top-eight, with matches against the Swans, Cats and Dockers making for a difficult end to Brett Ratten's campaign.

Speaking post-match, Ratten stated that his side have "work to do" while also hoping to see a number of key reinforcements aid the final three matches of their season.

"With getting some of the quality players from out of the stands and onto the park will help us but we will have to tinker with a few things. That won't fix everything," he said.

"We haven't moved the ball the way we'd want to, our goal accuracy is down, our clearance rate can be inconsistent. So we've got a bit of work to do."

Ratten's Carlton counterpart, David Teague was questioned over his future despite the win, following the news of Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson's premature and imminent departure from the Hawks.

Teague has come under great pressure as the Blues have struggled to meet expectations, with a current review of the club mounting further intrigue into the situation surrounding the Blues boss.

When questioned on the matter after the match, Teague expressed his understanding in the links between his club and Clarkson, but stated his confidence in remaining at Ikon Park for the future.

"I'd understand them wanting to, he's been a great coach for a long time. But I'm going to back myself in," Teague said after the win.

"We have good people here and I think the direction that we're going and what we're doing here [is right]. So in terms of do I think I'm the right person, if that's what you're asking, I think I'm the right person to keep going forward with this footy club.

"I've got confidence in what I'm doing, what we're doing as a group and as a collective and right now I'm going to sit back and I’m going to enjoy tonight's effort."

The Blues face Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney in their run home to end the season and are currently two points outside the top-eight albeit with an extra game played.