Leadership Group Reacts to Michael Voss’s Resignation
Carlton’s leadership group was taken aback when they learned that Michael Voss had submitted his resignation. However, they acknowledged that his messaging during the Brisbane outing carried a sense of finality. This development raises questions about the future of Patrick Cripps and Jacob Weitering, who have been linked to trade speculation despite their long-term contracts.
Cripps, who is under contract until the end of 2027, emphasized his commitment to the team for the upcoming season. “I’m really committed in terms of this season,” he said. “I’m not going to wave the white flag and waste the year. There’s a lot to play out this year. It’s a privilege to play AFL. It never gets lost on me, especially for this footy club.”
He added that he would continue leading the team as he has done over the past six or eight years. “I’m going to wear the jumper with pride,” he said.
Weitering, whose contract runs until 2031, echoed Cripps’ sentiments. “Most certainly (I want to stay),” he said. “I made the decision a long time ago that I wanted to be a Carlton player for life. I’ve got five years left on my contract.”
The defender also highlighted the importance of leadership. “The leaders have a job to do. We’ve got to lead this club forward through actions and words, and I want to be part of that.”
Emotional Reactions and Reflections
Cripps and Weitering were joined by fellow leader Sam Walsh in addressing the media following Voss’s departure. The trio praised their former coach’s honesty and transparency but admitted it was an emotional time.
“We’re feeling hollow,” Cripps said. “It makes you reflect on the last four years we’ve had with Vossy and it’s pretty emotional. I was shocked it was this early in the year. I didn’t think it was going to happen like this, but trying to absorb it today.”
He added that Voss’s decision was made with the club’s best interests in mind. “The conversation I had with him, he felt it was the best way forward for the club, and I respect ‘Vossy’ so much for going out on his terms, but also he’s talked about putting Carlton first.”
Weitering highlighted the impact Voss had on the club. “He came in at a time when the club was pretty much on its knees,” he said. “Internal review. Multiple changes in different leadership positions, the players probably lost confidence in their ability to win games. And in a pretty short period of time, he turned that around very quickly.”
Coaching Changes and Player Perspective
Voss’s departure marks another change in Carlton’s coaching history this century. At Ikon Park, Cripps and Weitering have had to deal with four senior coaches leaving, but Cripps doesn’t feel let down by the club.
“A lot of the things you don’t have any control over as a player,” he said. “You want to be competing. You want to be playing finals footy. That’s everyone’s motivation as a player, especially towards the back end of your career.”
He added that his focus remains on working hard with the team. “I want to keep working hard with the boys, and keep trying to lead this club. It’s an honour to lead this club.”
Walsh emphasized the need for players to take accountability for poor performances. “Today was more getting around Voss and so thankful for the amount of effort and best leader I’ve come across in football.”
Interim Coach Josh Fraser
Interim coach Josh Fraser will take over for the remainder of the 2026 season. Walsh believes Fraser has the qualities to become a successful senior coach. “My first year at the footy club, he was the VFL head coach,” he said. “I’ve seen him in the head coach role before. I think his ability to have really good relationships with the players has been there since he’s come back.”
He added that the team has experienced Fraser’s style. “Our meetings hasn’t just been ‘Vossy’ running it, so we’ve had a taste of what his style is.”
