Beleaguered Blues stand firm as Demons battle looms

Shayne Hope | June 1, 2023

Carlton’s growing list of critics can keep “flipping rocks” but coach Michael Voss is adamant his beleaguered team remains united in its attempt to salvage an AFL campaign in freefall.

The blowtorch on the Blues intensified this week after a horror run of six losses in seven games.

Off-field drama has fanned the flames with board member Craig Mathieson quitting after a heated argument with president Luke Sayers following last week’s defeat to Sydney.

Key forward Harry McKay has faced further scrutiny over his ongoing goal-kicking woes and captain Patrick Cripps hit back at critics questioning the team’s culture.

Injuries have struck down ruckman Marc Pittonet (broken hand), Corey Durdin (knee), Ollie Hollands (shoulder), Nic Newman (hamstring) and George Hewett (concussion).

Carlton have recalled defender Lewis Young, Jack Silvagni, Zac Fisher, Lochie O’Brien and Alex Cincotta.

Voss said the Blues will continue to support each other as they seek a form spike to reignite their finals hopes, starting in Friday night’s crunch clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

“Keep flipping rocks but the reality is we’re pretty clear on what we need to be able to do next and what it’s going to take to make sure that we turn it around really quickly,” Voss said.

“My focus is to ensure that we get out tomorrow night and we play good football.

“All this sort of stuff is fine and (you can) keep turning over the rocks but we’ve got a game to play.

“Where the focus lies for us is on that performance and making sure we get the best version of ourselves.”

Cripps this week took to social media to blast a report on the Nine Network’s Footy Classified that claimed he and Sam Docherty stayed away from the team hotel on last week’s trip to Sydney.

Voss was not surprised with Cripps’ response and backed his captain’s approach.

“He’s a fantastic leader and while you’re going through a little bit of a lean time you find out a little bit about what you stand for,” Voss said.

“He well and truly stood his ground and so he should.”

Voss continues to focus on defence first as he seeks a circuit-breaking win and insists he won’t make major changes to McKay’s role, despite the 2021 Coleman medallist struggling in front of goal.

“Sometimes simple is better than complex, and that’s not just about what Harry’s doing,” Voss said.

“That’s about us as a team and we’ll continue to reinforce those.”

Melbourne have lost their last two matches but pose another huge challenge for Carlton, particularly in the ruck, where imposing duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy lie in wait.

Lachie Hunter is back for the Demons after serving his one-game suspension, while key position players Adam Tomlinson and Joel Smith have been recalled.

Melbourne premiership players Michael Hibberd and Tom McDonald are out injured.

“They’re a good footy team and they’ve been proven performers over a long period of time,” Voss said of the Dees.

“They’re pretty disciplined the way they go about it but those two (Gawn and Grundy) in particular have been a really significant difference at their respective clubs.”