Carlton’s Head of Football Chris Davies Confirms Michael Voss Will Coach Against Adelaide
Carlton’s head of football, Chris Davies, has confirmed that Michael Voss will remain as the coach for the Blues’ upcoming match against Adelaide on Thursday night. However, he has also delivered a critical assessment of the team following another second-half collapse.
Voss is currently under pressure after the Blues suffered a 10-point loss to North Melbourne in a game where they had a 22-point lead in the final quarter. This followed a previous defeat where they squandered a 43-point lead against Melbourne and were beaten by the Swans after half-time in the opening round. The team’s struggles have continued into this season, with Voss now in his fifth year at the helm.
The Blues are currently 1-3, and Voss, who is off-contract at the end of the season, has not managed to address the recurring issues that have plagued the team since their shocking loss to Richmond in round one last year. The team now faces a crucial challenge against the Crows at Gather Round, and Davies has assured fans that Voss will be leading the team.
“I can [guarantee it]. I absolutely can,” Davies said, speaking to 3AW. “From the start of the year, we are 1-3. If we are taking any positives from those three losses, [it] is we have been in positions to win those games. But, as I say, [we’re] bitterly disappointed that we haven’t been able to get the job done, certainly in the last couple of weeks.”
Davies acknowledged that the team’s issues may involve a combination of factors, including fitness, coaching, and leadership. He emphasized that there would be a thorough investigation into these matters.
“I think in these situations it’s never one thing, but it’s a mixture of [it] all,” he explained. “I guess if you are getting into the Xs and Os of the game [the tactics], we are very heavily reliant on our scores from stoppage.”
When the Blues fail to score from stoppages, their offensive capabilities diminish significantly. This has been a major issue, with more than 60% of their scores coming from stoppage – a league high. The Brisbane Lions are next best with 45%, while the league average is 37%.
Davies admitted that the problem might not be purely physical but rather a mindset issue. He pointed out that the players need to communicate better, especially when the game is on the line.
“This is where the gap in the competition can be sometimes. You have got a relatively inexperienced team. When the pressure comes on, one of the first things that goes when your team is not going very well is communication,” he said.
The Blues are ranked ninth for average age (25.8 years) and eighth for average games played (98.6). Their second-half collapses have been a consistent theme over the past year, with nine half-time leads lost in this period.
While Voss’ gameplan has focused on contest and stoppages, the best teams in the league are now excelling in transition play. The Blues are ranked last in scores from turnover, which highlights a key area for improvement.
Former West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson, who now serves as a consultant for the Blues, suggested that the team had choked in recent matches. He noted that young Kangaroos midfielder George Wardlaw was the toughest player on the field during the recent clash.
“Weitering was concussed in the third term after an accidental knee to the back of the head by Zane Duursma. He spent time in hospital after the match but returned home. He will miss at least the clash against the Crows, given the concussion protocols.”
The Blues’ challenges extend beyond on-field performance, with Will Hayward receiving a one-match ban for striking. The incident involved an intentional hit on George Wardlaw, resulting in a medium impact rating.
Key Issues Facing the Blues
- Second-Half Collapse: The Blues have struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half of games, leading to multiple losses despite strong first-half performances.
- Communication Problems: Players are not communicating effectively under pressure, which has led to poor decision-making and defensive lapses.
- Reliance on Stoppage Play: The team’s scoring heavily depends on stoppage situations, which has proven inconsistent.
- Transition Play: The Blues are ranked last in scores from turnover, indicating a lack of effectiveness in moving the ball quickly and efficiently.
- Leadership and Culture: There are concerns about leadership and culture within the team, particularly in high-pressure moments.
