A Call for Stability at Carlton
Ashley McGrath has voiced his support for Michael Voss, urging the Carlton Football Club to maintain its confidence in the coach despite the challenges faced this season. Voss, who is in the final year of his contract, is under significant pressure after the team’s poor start to the season. The Blues have struggled to find their rhythm, securing only one win out of four matches, including a tough loss to Adelaide.
McGrath, who once played under Voss during his time with the Brisbane Lions, shared his thoughts on the situation. “I feel for Vossy at the moment, but hopefully they can turn it around. I’d say stick with him,” he said. McGrath emphasized that while the expectations for Carlton are high, the success of any team depends on the strength of its squad and how the players respond to challenges.
A Legacy of Leadership
McGrath was part of the Brisbane Lions’ 2003 premiership-winning team, led by the legendary Michael Voss. He also had the opportunity to play under Voss as a coach between 2009 and 2013 before being let go. His experience with the club has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a successful football team.
During his career, McGrath was part of a powerful Brisbane Lions outfit from 2001 to 2004. However, he also experienced the struggles of playing for teams that were not performing well for much of his 214-game career. “In my early days, we were a super side from 2001-04 and I still think we were up there with the greatest teams going around, but then we fell into some bad times as well,” he reflected.
The Evolution of the Game
Despite the ups and downs, McGrath is pleased to see the Brisbane Lions return to their former glory. “It’s great to see the club back up where it belongs, as a powerhouse of the AFL,” he said. While he avoids direct comparisons between the teams of his era and the current Brisbane side, he believes the Lions have the potential to compete for Grand Finals and premierships in the next few years.
McGrath praised the club’s approach to list management, highlighting the importance of building a strong foundation. “Brisbane has done really well with its list management,” he noted. He also acknowledged the changes in the game over the years, emphasizing that the sport has become much faster. “The game has changed totally from when we played—it’s a lot quicker.”
The Desire to Sustain Success
For McGrath, the thrill of winning a premiership is something that lingers long after the final siren. “Once you get to the top of the mountain, you just want to stay there. When you win a premiership, the feeling you get once the final siren goes after, you wish you could just bottle it,” he said. This sentiment reflects the desire of every team to maintain its position at the top of the league.
As the AFL continues to evolve, the lessons learned from past successes and challenges remain relevant. For clubs like Carlton and Brisbane, the path to sustained success lies in maintaining a strong team culture, effective leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
