Carlton vice-captain Sam Walsh has publicly declared that his teammates are fully supportive of coach Michael Voss, as the AFL side faces intense scrutiny over its recurring second-half fade-outs. The Blues, with a record of 1-2 this season, have been plagued by poor performances after halftime, including a devastating loss to Melbourne where they squandered a 43-point lead.
Pressure Mounts on Voss and Carlton
The team's struggles have intensified the spotlight on Voss, who is in his fifth year as coach and was backed by the club last August to see out his contract through 2026. Former Carlton great Brendan Fevola recently suggested that Voss should consider resigning if the Blues lose to North Melbourne in their upcoming Good Friday clash, adding to the mounting pressure.
Walsh Emphasizes Team Unity and Accountability
In response, Walsh has firmly thrown his support behind Voss, stressing that the playing group is taking collective responsibility for their on-field issues. "We're all right in behind Vossy. The biggest thing with our whole mindset this year is we're all in it together," Walsh stated. He dismissed external narratives that focus on individuals, highlighting that success depends on both the coaching staff and players executing their roles effectively.
Walsh pointed to mentality rather than fitness as the root cause of Carlton's second-half woes. "We haven't created habits that last over four quarters and there's no point sooking about it — it's about getting to work on it now," he explained. He acknowledged that the desire to win can sometimes lead to forced plays, clouding decision-making during critical moments.
Leadership Key to Turning Things Around
The onus, according to Walsh, falls on Carlton's on-field leaders to guide the team out of its rut. He referenced Voss's post-game comments after the Melbourne loss, emphasizing the importance of leaders embodying the right mindset and directing teammates. "From there you get everyone on the same page. It won't take much to turn it around if that's the case," Walsh added, expressing confidence in a potential turnaround.
Upcoming Clash with North Melbourne
Carlton faces a crucial match against North Melbourne on Good Friday, a fixture where they have historically performed well, winning the last three encounters by an average margin of 63 points. However, the Kangaroos pulled off a surprise 11-point victory in their most recent meeting in June last year, adding an element of uncertainty to the upcoming game.
As the Blues prepare for this pivotal clash, Walsh's comments underscore a team-focused approach aimed at addressing their second-half issues and rallying behind their coach amidst external criticism.
