Carlton can ‘thrive’ in close matches, says Michael Voss

Three consecutive close games have slipped through the Blues’ fingers, but Michael Voss says they do not have a problem.

Carlton coach Michael Voss says he rejects the theory Carlton is not executing its plans in the final stages of close games. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

Carlton coach Michael Voss says people would be wrong to assume the Blues cannot “thrive” in the final moments of tight games after a frustrating draw in the season opener.

The Blues have now played in three consecutive AFL games decided by less than a goal, coming away with only last weekend’s two premiership points.

Kysaiah Pickett’s matchwinning goal with 11 seconds left toppled the Blues by five points in round 22 last season before worse heartbreak followed with the infamous one-point loss to Collingwood.

The Magpies also held off a late barrage to defeat the Blues by four points in round 11, but Carlton did win two games decided by under a goal in 2022, against Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.

Voss said there were some decisions made late in the Richmond game he wished could be taken back, but there were no structural issues with Carlton’s approach during the final stages.

Michael Voss says he was happy with how Carlton’s game plan held up in the final moments against Richmond. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“We had a great discussion, there’s some really important lessons out of that. Once we looked at the system, we felt like the boys really stayed connected through those moments,” Voss said.

“They were able to execute what we were after from a system point of view.

“There’s probably a couple of decisions that we would like back. When you go through these moments, the unfortunate thing if you don’t finish it, there’s obviously going to be a fair focus on it.”

Carlton was in a better position to deliver in crucial moments following the draw, Voss said.

“I think every team wants to be sitting there playing in front of 88,000 people, the game’s on the line, you’re in those moments and how do you thrive in those moments?” he said.

“I think we’re making a real assumption here that we haven’t been able to thrive in these moments previously.

George Hewett is under a cloud ahead of Thursday night’s match against Geelong, with his injured hand to be assessed at training on Wednesday. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“There’s been plenty where we’ve thrived and there’s been big moments where our leaders have stood up.”

Voss said the Blues would find their “sweet spot” with how they could use the new substitute rule after bringing on prolific runner Lochie O’Brien for the final quarter against Richmond.

He said George Hewett would be tested later on Wednesday after his hand was stood on against Richmond, while Marc Pittonet was “ready to go” if required against Geelong on Thursday night.

“I think where the dialogue has been lost with Pitto is we’ve sort of forgotten that he just wasn’t ready,” Voss said.

“Maybe that was a little bit clouded by the fact he played the week before, but we had no other game to play, so we felt like we needed to get a game under his belt, at least a half.

“He’s got another game under his belt, he’s certainly stated a case, that’s for sure. We feel like he’s well and truly closer to being able to come back into the AFL team.”

Originally published as Carlton can ‘thrive’ in close matches, says Michael Voss