Carlton’s Defensive Struggles Continue
Carlton coach Michael Voss has expressed concerns about his team’s defensive capabilities following another second-half collapse in their recent match. The Blues faced St Kilda at Dockland Stadium, where the Saints managed to score 12 of the last 14 goals, including a remarkable streak of nine consecutive goals, to secure a 39-point victory.
Carlton’s performance this season has been inconsistent, with only one win from eight matches in 2026. However, they have managed to lead at half-time in six of those games. On Saturday, the Blues held a 12-point lead at the main break but were overwhelmed by an eight-goal third term from the Saints.
This loss adds to the pressure on Voss, who has witnessed a half-time lead result in defeat for the fifth time this season. “It’s just been a familiar pattern,” Voss said. “We lose centre square bounce … and then our inability to continue to defend when we’re up against isn’t at the level it needs to be at.”
Voss highlighted that the team’s defensive efforts are not strong enough over the course of the game, which is holding them back. “So it puts you under an enormous amount of pressure when … they’re kicking goals when they like and we’re getting these huge runs against us.”
During the press conference, Voss defended his tactics, pointing out that the Blues were often caught outnumbered during transitions from attack to defense. He emphasized the positive aspects of the first half performance, as well as the start of the fourth quarter when the Blues created several scoring chances. However, the Saints managed to kick the first three goals of the final term, further indicating issues with the Blues’ work rate, according to Voss.
“I think our ability and intent is not where it needs to be,” he said. “Our ability to be able to do it for a longer period of time is not at the level it needs to be at. And when the game is against you, you need to defend and you need to fight, and we are not doing it well enough.”
Other AFL Matches and Updates
In Perth, the Richmond Tigers ended their 12-game losing streak by defeating the West Coast Eagles by 11 points, becoming the final AFL team to register a win in 2026. Meanwhile, Geelong Cats secured a 49-point victory over North Melbourne at Kardinia Park with a clinical second-half performance.
An image was leaked on social media showing the Brisbane Lions’ pre-match analysis of their Essendon opponents. This incident overshadowed the Lions’ commanding 64-point win over the Bombers at Docklands.
Relive all of Saturday’s AFL action in the blog below.
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