Carlton and AFL fans are reacting to the news that Michael Voss has resigned from his role as head coach after struggling to lift the team in 2026. Voss had aimed to lead the Blues back into finals contention, despite a lacklustre finish to their previous season. However, the current season has been a disaster, with the Blues sitting at 1-8 and effectively out of finals contention.
On Tuesday morning, Voss made the decision to step down as head coach after five years in charge, giving Carlton time to plan for the future.
Voss’ last game in charge was against reigning champions the Brisbane Lions. The Blues showed some fight, fighting hard in the second-half to go down by just 11 points. This performance highlighted the challenges Voss faced, but also the resilience of the team under his leadership.
On Channel Nine this week, Carlton player Jagga Smith backed Voss to remain as coach during the difficult season. “I couldn’t speak any more highly of an individual. Terrific leader, terrific coach,” Smith said on Nine News. “I know all the players are behind him. We love him so much, we would love him to keep coaching the football club.” Smith’s reaction said it all about Voss. While he may have been struggling, fans were thankful for his efforts at the helm of the Blues.
Carlton great defends Michael Voss
Blues legend Anthony Koutoufides said he was shocked the decision came 10 rounds into the season after the club lost some key players to start the campaign. He also praised Voss’ character on SEN Radio right after the news. “I’m shocked given it’s only round 10,” he said. “It’s been a tough year. Only one win in nine rounds. They were terrific against Brisbane and maybe there was hope there, but they couldn’t get it over the line. Doing Blues radio we saw it in the box the last time we saw him coach, there was a lot going on.
“Vossy – he has been terrific at the club and what a wonderful man. I adore him as a lot of people do. He got to the prelim final and had the toughest task to beat Brisbane up there. He did a great job Vossy, a really good job.”
Garry Lyon praises Michael Voss’ professionalism
Melbourne great Garry Lyon went the other way and said the decision was coming. However, he also reiterated Koutoufides’ claim that Voss has maintained his professionalism throughout the whole saga. “My immediate reaction is I’m not surprised,” Lyon said on SEN Radio. “But I want to congratulate Michael Voss for the way he has conducted himself throughout the course of this year. History may judge him as ultimately being unsuccessful from a coaching point of view. Now that’s harsh, but he coached Brisbane to a final, he coached the Carlton Footy Club to a prelim final.
“But what he has done under enormous pressure and scrutiny and been the lead story for most of the Mondays throughout the course of this year with the manner they’ve played and, you know, media camping out at Carlton, all those things. The way he’s conducted himself and handled himself, he never backs away, he fronts up to every request pre-game.”
