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They did not wish to talk about Voss’s position, on the grounds that it did not serve anyone’s interests – least of all the coach’s – to do so. But privately, the message was that the hierarchy had not even discussed Voss’s position – he was coaching on, and they would not respond to external noise.
Voss has a contract for 2026, but this wouldn’t necessarily be his salvation if Graham Wright, the incoming CEO who has been reviewing the club’s football operations, decided Voss wasn’t the right man to coach next year.
Carlton’s loss to North Melbourne prompted some booing from fans. But the result, while a genuine upset, wasn’t so shocking when you examine the weeds of each team’s personnel and fitness.
No one in a decision-making position at Carlton would argue with the proposition that the Blues rely heavily – even excessively – on their top six stars.
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Of that super six, Sam Walsh and Harry McKay were missing (and have had star-crossed seasons), Charlie Curnow has been hampered (and had surgeries pre-season) and wasn’t at his bounding best, and Jacob Weitering hurt his ankle early. Cripps, perhaps under the weight of carrying the midfield as if it was a boulder, has been well below his Olympian standards.
The Blues lack for quick and reliable small forwards, despite owning about eight of them, and also for repeat speed runners of the Max Holmes kind. Or a smooth mover such as Hugh McCluggage. Who wouldn’t want one like him?
Wright has been up to his neck in list management. By this stage, he will be well versed in their weaknesses and examining the list holes, seeking creative ways to improve a list that also is light on for depth.
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So, whatever becomes of Voss at season’s end – and there are some within the club who are confident he will survive – tough decisions on players and some assistant coaches appear certain.
Those calls can’t be made in round 16. What Wright and his team can do, however, is begin planning for 2026 and the years beyond, in the knowledge that they are more than a couple of good players away from prolonged premiership contention.
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