Michael Voss’ coaching career is in serious jeopardy after Carlton’s season continued to decline on Good Friday following a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback by North Melbourne.
The “SuperClash” match, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, saw the Blues lose a 22-point lead in the final term, ultimately falling by 10 points in front of a crowd of around 45,000 at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues seemed to have the game under control when they managed to secure their first third-term win of the season. However, the Kangaroos delivered a powerful performance in the final term, scoring seven goals compared to the Blues’ two. This shift in momentum allowed North Melbourne to take the lead and eventually win the match, leaving the Blues’ supporters disappointed.
Carlton made efforts to respond to the Kangaroos’ goals early in the final term, but they were unable to maintain their momentum. The turning point came when young star Harry Sheezel scored a long-range goal with just over three minutes remaining, sealing the victory for the Kangaroos.
“We are not used to winning – to come back like that is probably the best [result] so far [this season],” Sheezel said. “I genuinely believed we were going to win that game.”
On the other hand, Blues star Sam Walsh expressed frustration over the loss. He stated, “It’s just not good enough. [We’re] not standing up in the big moments when we need to, so we’ve got a lot to learn.”
This latest defeat added to the ongoing struggles of the Blues, who have faced significant challenges in maintaining leads throughout the season. After a week of introspection following their previous loss to Melbourne, where they conceded a 43-point lead, the team has struggled to handle pressure when the game is close.
The loss leaves Carlton with only one win this season, and Voss, who is currently without a contract, faces immense pressure to prove his worth as coach.
Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson had emphasized the importance of his team taking a stand in this fixture, which they have worked hard to develop over the years. Despite a poor performance on the field, the Roos managed to secure their second win in nine matches in this fixture. They now appear to be a team on the rise, boasting a 3-1 record this season.
“It’s a crazy feeling. We stepped up in that second half,” said veteran midfielder Luke Parker.
The Blues’ loss was further compounded by an injury to Jacob Weitering, who suffered a concussion during a marking contest against Zane Duursma. He will miss at least Thursday’s Gather Round clash against the Crows in Adelaide. His absence is a significant blow, as he is a key player against the strong Crows forwards.
Voss had previously expressed confidence that the Blues could quickly rebound from their second-half struggles this season. However, this loss suggests otherwise.
In the third quarter, the Blues showed signs of improvement, outscoring their opponents for the first time in 26 games. Captain Patrick Cripps set the tone, contributing four touches early in the third term as the Blues pushed forward. The Hollands brothers, Elijah and Ollie, found plenty of the ball, while Harry McKay was a constant threat inside attacking 50.
The Blues’ intensity was evident, as they recorded 24 tackles in the third term alone, compared to 13 in the first half. Meanwhile, Kangaroos’ half-back Colby McKercher, who led possession in the first half, struggled in the third term, prompting Clarkson to physically encourage him at the break.
Finn O’Sullivan, the Tagger, faced off against Blues runner Sam Walsh, his second cousin. Their intense battle ended with O’Sullivan emerging victorious.
The Blues were clearly in trouble when Paul Curtis kicked a 50-metre bomb with just over four minutes remaining, sealing the victory for the Kangaroos.
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