David Teague will be formally unveiled as the new fulltime head coach of AFL club Carlton on Thursday, completing a meteoric and improbable rise.
Teague, 38, was given almost no chance of succeeding the sacked Brendon Bolton on a fulltime basis when he stepped into the role after round 11 as caretaker.
But an on-field resurgence that has seen the Blues win five of their past nine games – and the enthusiastic backing of the playing group including skipper Patrick Cripps – has won over the selection panel.
Teague is understood to have signed a three-year deal.
It continues a remarkable run for AFL caretaker coaches in 2019.
Rhyce Shaw has already received the nod to succeed Brad Scott at North Melbourne while Brett Ratten is the hot favourite to win the fulltime role at St Kilda after filling the void left by Alan Richardson.
The Blues play Carlton on Saturday.