UPDATE: Carlton Football Club’s coach, Michael Voss, has publicly accepted responsibility for the team’s disappointing performance in the 2023 AFL season, admitting he “fell short” as a leader during a year that left the Blues “culturally defeated.”
In a stark reflection during the club’s best-and-fairest event on October 1, 2023, Voss faced an audience that included free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, both now signed with St Kilda, as well as star forward Charlie Curnow, who is seeking a new opportunity elsewhere. The trade period kicks off on October 2, 2023.
Voss’s admission comes after a lackluster season that saw Carlton finish with a 9-14 record, far from the finals contention. Despite this, the club has expressed support for Voss, extending his contract through to 2026.
“As a leader, I fell short on what was required,” Voss stated. “That has been a difficult reflection. I let you down, and that sits really uncomfortably with me.”
The coach described a humiliating 56-point loss to Collingwood in July as the “most humbling” moment of his career. He emphasized the need for unity within the club and highlighted the importance of resilience going forward.
“Right now, we are not a very resilient football club,” Voss said. “This club is powerful if we choose it to be, but the fight must be out there, not in here.”
As the trade period approaches, the future of Charlie Curnow remains uncertain. Curnow is reportedly attracting interest from Geelong and Sydney, but Carlton’s list boss, Nick Austin, reassured fans about the club’s position.
“Our position on Charlie has been clear for quite some time now,” Austin commented. “Any decision we make is in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.”
Fans and analysts are eagerly watching to see how the club navigates these turbulent waters, especially with Curnow’s aspirations for a fresh start. As Voss prepares for the next season, the pressure is on to transform the team’s culture and performance.
Stay tuned for more updates as the trade period unfolds and Carlton Football Club seeks to rebound from this challenging year.
