Carlton’s Struggles Continue as Voss Faces Uncertain Future
Carlton’s head of football, Chris Davies, has confirmed that Michael Voss will remain the coach for the upcoming match against Adelaide on Thursday night. However, he has expressed significant concerns about the team’s performance, particularly their recurring issues in the second half of games.
The Blues have struggled to maintain their lead in recent matches, with a 22-point deficit in the final quarter against North Melbourne leading to a 10-point loss. This followed a similar collapse against Melbourne, where they squandered a 43-point lead. The team also faced a tough defeat against the Swans after halftime in the opening round.
Voss, who is currently under contract until the end of the season, has been unable to address these second-half problems that have plagued the team since their shocking loss to Richmond in round one last year. With the Blues now set to face the Crows at Gather Round, Davies has assured fans that Voss will still be in charge.
“I can [guarantee it]. I absolutely can,” Davies said, emphasizing the team’s current position of 1-3. “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 stem from a combination of factors, including fitness, coaching, and leadership. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these areas.
“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.”
This reliance on stoppage play has been a key issue for the Blues, with over 60% of their scores this season 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 may not be fitness, but rather a mindset issue.
“We would like our players communicating better than maybe they have. I think it’s a mixture of all those things – I am not too proud to say I am willing to look into all those things,” he said.
Davies highlighted the importance of communication when the game is on the line, noting that the team’s inexperience can lead to breakdowns under pressure. He pointed out that the Blues have been scored heavily against, which is a critical issue when it occurs.
The team’s average age of 25.8 years and average games played of 98.6 suggest a relatively young squad. Over the past year, the Blues have let slip nine half-time leads, resulting in losses. Voss’ gameplan has focused on contest and stoppages, but the best teams are now excelling in transition play, moving the ball quickly and defending effectively when needed. The Blues are ranked last in scores from turnover.
While Voss has denied feeling spooked by the final term against the Kangaroos, Davies’ comments and those of Adam Simpson, the former West Coast premiership coach and now Blues consultant, suggest otherwise. Simpson suggested the side had choked, and the Blues’ struggles have led to criticism from supporters.
Blues president Rob Priestley and chief executive Graham Wright have stated their expectations for the team to be in the running for the top 10. However, with upcoming matches against Adelaide, Collingwood, Fremantle, St Kilda, the Brisbane Lions, and Western Bulldogs, the Blues could be out of contention by the mid-point of the season.
Former Blues co-captain Sam Docherty argued against sacking Voss at this point in the season, stating it would be a poor decision. He noted that the Blues were beaten in contest and clearance and failed to handle pressure, often opting for safe kicks instead of being bold.
Simpson, who spends a day per week working with Voss, insisted the team was in a “good spot” culturally but acknowledged the final-quarter dramas as a major issue. He questioned whether it was a structural or talent problem.
In what could be seen as a damning assessment, Simpson highlighted George Wardlaw, the Kangaroos midfielder, as “the toughest bloke on the field” on Friday. He noted that the Blues were beaten around the ball in the contest and lost clearances in the final quarter.
The Blues’ challenges continue with Will Hayward receiving a one-match ban for striking. Hayward hit Wardlaw across the stomach with an outstretched arm, and the incident was graded as intentional and medium impact.
