What They Said: Balanced Blues Chasing Excellence – Michael Voss and Carlton FC’s Pursuit of Glory
Carlton Football Club, one of the most storied teams in Australian Rules football, has had a rollercoaster of a journey in recent seasons. The club, driven by its rich history, loyal fanbase, and a talented roster, has been under the astute leadership of Michael Voss, a man who knows a thing or two about success in the Australian Football League (AFL). Voss, a former Brisbane Lions legend and premiership captain, has instilled a vision of balance, excellence, and hunger in the Carlton side as they look to climb back to the pinnacle of the AFL.
In this article, we delve into what Voss and key figures at Carlton FC have said about the club’s pursuit of excellence, their journey towards achieving a balanced team, and the challenges they face as they chase AFL glory.
Appointed as Carlton’s head coach ahead of the 2022 AFL season, Michael Voss brought with him a wealth of experience, both as a former player and a seasoned coach. Under his guidance, the Blues have sought to find the right balance between offense and defense, youth and experience, and star power and depth. The central theme to Voss’ leadership has been creating a culture of accountability and sustained improvement, aiming to return the Blues to their rightful place among the AFL’s elite teams.
When Voss took over, the club was in the midst of a long drought, having not made the finals since 2013. Despite possessing a talented list that includes the likes of Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, and Harry McKay, Carlton often struggled to convert potential into consistent performances. Speaking about the challenge ahead, Voss has emphasized the importance of patience and building a strong foundation:
We’re focused on building something sustainable. It’s about getting the process right, not just the results. We need to find that balance in the way we play, and that’s a long-term project.
This focus on the process has been a cornerstone of Carlton’s resurgence. Voss has been clear that while short-term success is important, the bigger picture is about laying the groundwork for long-term stability and excellence.
One of Voss’ primary objectives has been to instill a balanced approach to the game. Carlton’s playing style in previous years had often leaned too heavily on their attacking prowess, but this left them exposed defensively. Under Voss, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more well-rounded game plan, with a greater emphasis on structure, defensive pressure, and discipline.
Voss has spoken openly about this need for balance, stating:
We know we can score, and we’ve got players who are capable of winning us games through our offensive talent. But the key to being a successful team is ensuring that we’re just as tough and accountable without the ball. That’s the balance we’re trying to strike.
This philosophy has been echoed by key players as well. Captain Patrick Cripps, who has thrived under Voss’ leadership, has credited the coach with helping him and his teammates understand the importance of both sides of the game:
What Vossy has brought in is a real emphasis on playing for each other. It’s not just about getting the ball and kicking goals; it’s about working hard when you don’t have it. Everyone’s buying in, and you can see the difference it’s making.”
The results of this balanced approach have been evident, as Carlton has become a much more difficult team to break down defensively. Players like Jacob Weitering, Adam Saad, and Zac Williams have stepped up, providing crucial stability at the back, while the midfield and forward line continue to shine.
While there has been clear progress under Voss, Carlton FC knows that the journey is far from complete. The AFL is a highly competitive league, and sustained success is difficult to achieve. However, the Blues have shown resilience and a newfound maturity that suggests they are on the right track.
One of the major challenges facing Voss and his coaching staff is managing the high expectations from fans and media. Carlton is a club with a proud history, and the hunger for success is palpable. Voss has often spoken about the need to embrace these expectations while keeping the focus on gradual improvement:
“Pressure is part of the job, especially at a club like Carlton. Our fans are passionate, and they deserve success. We’re all working towards that, but we can’t lose sight of the importance of doing things the right way. We’ll get there, but it’s going to take time and continued hard work.”
Voss’ emphasis on a strong team culture has also been central to Carlton’s rise. The sense of unity among the playing group is stronger than ever, with young stars like Sam Walsh and Tom De Koning, alongside seasoned veterans like Cripps and McKay, buying into the vision. Speaking about the team’s unity, Voss commented:
You can’t achieve anything if you don’t have a group that’s willing to play for each other. I’ve been fortunate to work with players who want to improve and succeed together. That’s what gives me confidence about where we’re heading.”
Another crucial aspect of Carlton’s push for excellence has been the development of its young talent. Voss and his coaching staff have placed a strong emphasis on nurturing the next generation of Blues stars. Players like Walsh, De Koning, and Weitering have all taken significant strides in their development, becoming integral parts of the team’s success.
Voss has often spoken about the importance of player development, not just in terms of their on-field performance but also their leadership qualities. Speaking on this, he said:
We’ve got some incredibly talented young players, and it’s our job as coaches to help them reach their potential. But it’s not just about football ability; it’s about building leaders who can carry the club forward in the long term.”
This holistic approach to player development has already borne fruit, with several of Carlton’s emerging stars stepping up in crucial moments and showing a maturity beyond their years.
As the Carlton Football Club continues its pursuit of excellence under Michael Voss, the road ahead is filled with both promise and challenges. The foundation has been laid for sustained success, but there are still hurdles to overcome. The balance that Voss has instilled, both in terms of game style and team culture, has given the Blues a platform to build on.
Ultimately, Carlton’s success will be determined by their ability to remain focused on the process while embracing the expectations that come with being a club of such rich tradition. As Voss himself said:
“We’re chasing excellence, and that’s never easy. But we’ve got the right people, the right talent, and the right mindset to achieve something special. Now it’s about staying the course and continuing to improve every day.”
For Carlton fans, the future looks bright. With Voss at the helm, the Blues are well and truly on the path to returning to their former glory, and it’s a journey that promises to be worth the wait.
