In a significant development within the Australian Football League (AFL), Carlton Football Club’s head coach Michael Voss has responded to a serious threat directed at him, while Simon Goodwin, coach of the Melbourne Football Club, addressed speculation surrounding the future of defender Jake Lever. These discussions emerged during the latest segment of Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
Voss Responds to Threat
During a press conference, Adam Simpson, a fellow coach and former mentor, expressed deep concern over the threat made against Voss, stating it crossed “a certain line that shouldn’t be crossed.” The intimidating message was reported to have been sent via the anti-social hotline service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during Carlton’s recent loss to Collingwood. This incident has heightened scrutiny around Voss as he navigates a challenging season.
Simpson emphasized the personal impact such threats can have, noting that they extend beyond professional concerns to affect family members. “There would be someone in his family saying: ‘You’ve got to pull up, let’s get out of this and step aside. It’s not worth it’,” he remarked. Simpson, who faced similar pressures during his final season with the West Coast Eagles, empathized with Voss’s situation but noted the unique intensity of threats directed at him.
Despite the external pressures, Voss has maintained a resilient front. He responded to the threat by asserting a message of belonging, stating, “You don’t belong here,” which underscores his commitment to the club and its supporters. Simpson acknowledged the emotional toll of such scrutiny, stating that it can lead one to question if the effort is truly worth it, especially when family concerns come into play.
Melbourne’s Goodwin Dismisses Trade Rumors
Meanwhile, Simon Goodwin has sought to quell rumors regarding Jake Lever following his recent demotion to the VFL. Lever, an All-Australian defender contracted to the Demons until 2028, was reported to be discontented after being dropped from the senior team. In response, Goodwin reassured fans that Lever remains a vital part of the club’s future. “I’ve never seen a player not disappointed with being omitted from the team,” Goodwin stated, emphasizing the need for Lever to regain his form.
Goodwin described their conversation post-demotion as constructive, allowing Lever to understand the reasons behind the decision. “He’s been brilliant; he’s a leader of our footy and club,” Goodwin added. Despite Lever’s temporary absence from the senior lineup, Goodwin is confident that he will return to form soon and contribute significantly to the team.
The Melbourne coach acknowledged that several players have been in a similar situation this season, with Bayley Fritsch, Caleb Windsor, and Jacob van Rooyen also experiencing spells in the VFL. Goodwin described the current phase as a “bit of a transition,” where the club is integrating both seasoned players and newcomers in hopes of establishing a competitive edge for future seasons.
As Melbourne navigates these challenges, the club’s management has expressed continued support for Goodwin, with incoming CEO Paul Guerra endorsing him to remain in charge through the 2026 season. Goodwin remarked, “It’s obviously reassuring and gives you a great feeling of alignment throughout the footy club,” highlighting the importance of unity as the team strives to improve its performance.
As the AFL season progresses, both Carlton and Melbourne face their respective challenges, with Voss aiming to refocus his team amidst external pressures and Goodwin seeking to stabilize his squad for a stronger finish in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
