In response to increasingly desperate circumstances, Carlton Football Club has ensured that head coach Michael Voss is afforded additional protection. This decision follows the team posting one of the worst starts to any season. Then came a 50-point thrashing from Port Adelaide that made the questioning of Voss’s leadership blaring. In spite of the pressure, Voss is doubling down on his approach and intent, asserting that a resolve needs to come from the top of the club.
And on Saturday night, Voss was front and centre at North Port Oval to watch the VFL affiliate’s 78-point annihilation of Port Melbourne. His attendance at game to game is a testament to his commitment to the team’s growth and perseverance amid adversities outside of the court from opponents. Voss is contracted until the end of next season, indicating the club’s continued support amidst speculation regarding potential changes in leadership.
“Collective accountability” is the term Voss has raised to describe the way she’s challenged her team to face the performance problems on the court. For me, he identified the players’ failures in their loss to Port Adelaide as a worrying all-hands-on-deck emergency that requires urgent remedial action. In his remarks, he stated, “What I feel right now as a leader is, I feel really disappointed for our people.”
In Voss’ view, a broad, interconnected approach to tackling today’s challenges will be key. He expressed that “the way through this – I said this last week – it’s not to isolate, it’s coming together.” A player’s stand His declaration is a key stand for his fellow players and staff in their fight against the problems the club is facing.
Our community support for Voss has come in numerous shapes and sizes. Another great example is a very clear message spray-painted in his honor that says, “Save Voss.” Such gestures go a long way in communicating that part of the fan base is committed to supporting their coach through these stormy waters.
For all the hardships, Voss hasn’t lost sight of his mission. On Friday at Melbourne Airport, he reassured reporters that the team would “just stick at it and keep going to work.” He acknowledged that “what we won’t do, what you will not see us do, is pass blame on anyone,” indicating a desire to foster a culture of accountability within the club.
Looking ahead, Carlton’s incoming chief executive Graham Wright is expected to introduce changes that could impact Voss’s position. In particular, the club is still weathering a stormy stretch of time. They are very intensely focused on fixing performance issues and making sure the coach gets the help they require.
