“We feel that”: Voss fully aware of Carlton frustration

Carlton coach Michael Voss fully understands the outside frustration surrounding his side’s results this season.

The Blues have faltered in 2025, particularly in recent weeks, culminating in a 50-point loss to Port Adelaide last weekend.

This Friday night they get the ultimate test in the form of a MCG blockbuster against arch rival Collingwood who sit on top of the AFL ladder by a cool 10 points.

Ahead of that clash, Voss was asked about the graffiti-laden walls outside Ikon Park in the wake of the Port defeat, admitting he understands the frustration and disappointment.

“We have to keep focusing on what’s important,” he told reporters.

“But we also acknowledge that there is a frustration and disappointment as well. We feel that and we hear that.”

But he insists that any impending response will come from a pure love for the club as the Blues prepare for a massive contest against the Magpies in front of a huge crowd.

“What we’ve also had is tremendous support as well. That’s our club, we do this for Carlton,” he continued.

“The way through this is to stay connected as a team and as a club.

“What we’re really blessed with is we get to turn up tomorrow and play in front of 80-85,00 fans. We see that as a competitive advantage for us. We want that noise in the stadium, we want to energise and passion is part of that.

“We understand that and we understand our responsibilities behind that as well.”

The embattled Blues coach also commented on his future after a public backing from president Robert Priestley earlier this week.

“What we’ve always been is pretty aligned with where we need to go,” said Voss.

“It’s probably the least of the things that I’m thinking about at the moment. It’s more about care for our people, and (that) we’ve got a job to do.

“It’s been fairly eyes in. I also know that that sort of connection and alignment will help us. To have that leadership through this period of time is going to be important, my role in that is going to be really important.

“But we’ve got a great group of people. I spoke about that after the (Port) game around the amazing group of people we do have and they’re here with the right intention.

“We’re busy getting after getting better.”

The Pies present as a major test for a struggling team but what the Blues have in their corner is that they are very good starters.

They’ve won 11 of 15 first quarters in 2025, outscoring their opponents 392-255 in first terms.

Voss says that is something they will focus on this Friday night.

“The review was done 4-5 days ago and now we look at what we need to be able to bring next,” said Voss further.

“We’ve got plenty of evidence to work from to suggest that our first quarters have been quite powerful.

“We go back and have a look at that, we contrast that with what turned up on the weekend and we’ve got a pretty strong visual of what it needs to look like to start this game.

“A huge game for us against an old rival and (in front of) 80,000 people at the MCG, so it turns your mind forward pretty fast.”

The 6-9 Blues simply must win this match to keep their finals hopes alive, otherwise they’ll be looking towards the future.

Defender Jacob Weitering had a realistic outlook to what is ahead for the Blues in the back end of the season.

Tune in to Blues Radio live on SEN with Andy Maher, Ed Curnow and Adam Rozenbachs from 7pm AEST.