Carlton’s Football Boss Backs Michael Voss Amid Criticism
Carlton’s head of football has publicly voiced his support for coach Michael Voss following the team’s latest defeat, which has led to growing calls for his removal. The Blues suffered another heartbreaking loss, this time against North Melbourne on Good Friday, leaving them with a 1-3 record to start the AFL season. This result has left many fans frustrated and questioning the direction of the club.
Sam Docherty, a former Carlton captain and one of the club’s most respected figures, has come out in defense of Voss. He argues that sacking the coach so early in the season would be a “really poor decision.” Docherty believes that the club should give Voss more time to address the issues that have plagued the team, especially after a turbulent off-season filled with changes both on and off the field.
Docherty emphasized that the club’s management did not fully back Voss by offering him an extension, but they did commit to supporting him through the current season. He pointed out that the team has undergone significant changes, including new assistant coaches and a fresh general manager of football, as well as several list changes. These adjustments take time to settle, and he feels it is too soon to make any drastic decisions.
“I just don’t think you can make a move on a coach at this time of the year. I think it would be a really poor decision,” Docherty said on 3AW radio. “They didn’t back him in fully and give him an extension, but they backed him in to see out this year of footy.”
He also referenced the sacking of veteran coach Mick Malthouse eight games into the 2015 season, warning fans that such a move could lead to further instability. “The sugar hit of a caretaker coach has a life-span but I remember by about round 14 or 15 that year, that year was absolutely hell,” he added. “The direction of the club, where you’re going, what you’re doing—was really tough.”
Support from Carlton’s Football Boss
Carlton’s head of football, Chris Davies, has also expressed his support for Voss, stating that he will do everything possible to back the coach during this challenging period. However, he acknowledged that fans have every right to be upset with the team’s performance so far.
Davies told 3AW: “My role is to support Michael as much as I possibly can. I totally accept that right now we’re not performing to the expectations of our supporter base.”
He admitted that the team’s start to the season has been “disappointing” and “frustrating.” While he understands the frustration of the fans, he stressed the importance of focusing on what can be controlled. “I’m not in the position and I certainly wouldn’t want to be telling our supporters how they should feel. The reality is that they should be seeing some progress on the field and I accept that right now we haven’t been good enough to show enough of that this year.”
Challenges Ahead
The Blues face additional challenges as vice-captain Jacob Weitering is set to miss the Round 5 clash against Adelaide. Weitering entered the AFL’s concussion protocols after suffering a head injury in the recent loss to North Melbourne. His absence will be a blow to the team, adding to the pressure on Voss and the squad.
With the season still in its early stages, the focus remains on finding a way to turn things around. Fans are hoping that the changes made over the off-season will begin to bear fruit, and that Voss will be given the opportunity to prove his worth. For now, the message from both Docherty and Davies is clear: patience is needed, and the club must work together to overcome the current struggles.
