Michael Voss’ coaching career is under significant scrutiny following a disappointing performance by Carlton during the Good Friday match against North Melbourne. The game, which also served as a fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, saw the Blues lose a 22-point lead in the final quarter, ultimately falling by 10 points in front of a large crowd of around 45,000 at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues seemed to have the game under control after securing their first third-term victory of the season. However, the Kangaroos staged a remarkable comeback, scoring seven goals to two in the final term to secure the win. Despite two responses from the Blues early in the fourth quarter, they were unable to maintain momentum. The Kangaroos took the lead for good when young star Harry Sheezel kicked a long-range goal with just over three minutes remaining on the clock.
“We are not used to winning – to come back like that is probably the best [result] so far [this season],” Sheezel remarked. “I genuinely believed we were going to win that game.”
In contrast, Blues captain Sam Walsh expressed frustration with the outcome. “It’s just not good enough,” he said. “We’re not standing up in the big moments when we need to, so we’ve got a lot to learn.”
This latest setback followed a week of intense reflection after a shocking loss to Melbourne, where the Blues conceded a 43-point lead. Over the past year, the team has struggled to maintain composure when the game is on the line, and this issue continues to plague them. With only one win this season, Voss, who is currently without a contract, faces immense pressure to prove his worth as coach.
North Melbourne 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. While their on-field performance was poor, the Roos managed to secure their second win in nine matches in this particular 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 the injury to Jacob Weitering, who suffered a concussion and will miss at least Thursday’s Gather Round clash against the Crows in Adelaide. He sustained the injury after an accidental knee to the back of his head during a marking contest with Zane Duursma. Weitering failed the concussion test and will be a significant absence against the powerful Crows forwards. His absence in the final term also contributed to the Blues’ struggles.
Voss had previously expressed confidence that the Blues could quickly recover from their second-half issues this season. However, this loss has raised further questions about his ability to lead the team effectively.
The Blues outscored their opponents only five times in third-quarters from their past 26 games before this contest. Captain Patrick Cripps set the tone, having only six touches at halftime but four early in the third quarter as the Blues pushed forward. The Hollands brothers, Elijah and Ollie, found plenty of the ball, while Harry McKay was a consistent presence inside attacking 50. The Blues showed intensity, with only 13 tackles to the main break but 24 alone in the third term.
North Melbourne’s half-back Colby McKercher was the leading possession winner at halftime, but he managed only three in the third term, prompting Clarkson to physically encourage him at the final break, urging a more aggressive approach. Tagger Finn O’Sullivan faced off against Blues runner Sam Walsh, his second cousin, in a fascinating battle that O’Sullivan ultimately won.
The Blues were in clear trouble when Paul Curtis kicked a 50-metre bomb with just over four minutes remaining.
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