Blues fans turn on ‘bullied’ Carlton after heavy loss to North Melbourne

A furious Michael Voss screamed at his team, but it wasn’t enough at the MCG and Carlton fans have returned serve to the Blues coach.

Carlton fans and an AFL great were all sticking the boot into the Blues after their dreadful display against North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

Entering the match as firm favourites and aiming for a third straight win, the Blues were “bullied” by the baby Kangaroos in an 11-point final margin that flattered them.

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North Melbourne led by 46 points at the last break and while Carlton kicked five unanswered goal in the final term, they were comfortably beaten 13.6 (84) to 10.13 (73) at the MCG.

Leading by nine points at the first change, Carlton gave up 12 goals to three over the next two quarters as fans turned on Michael Voss’ side and boos rained down.

The day started with high hopes for Patrick Cripps and the Blues. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Late in the third quarter, North captain Jy Simpkin laid a heavy tackle on George Hewett that summed up the day for a Roos side that has shown improvement over the past six weeks.

Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown labelled North the “unsociable Shinboners”, a reference to a great Hawthorn team of the past under Alastair Clarkson.

Voss was seen on the phone desperately trying to get his side back in the game, but it was to no avail as the Roos built a match-winning lead.

Gerard Healy commented on Fox Footy: “Vossy needs a miracle right now.”

That’s when Brown gave the ultimate insult towards an established team facing one of the most inexperienced lists in the AFL.

Harry Sheezel (right) celebrates a goal during their impressive win. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Lions great Jonathan Brown couldn’t believe what he was seeing. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“They’re getting bullied,” he said of the Blues. “They’re getting beaten up, they’re getting beaten up by a younger midfield for North Melbourne. The whole team for that matter.

“Michael Voss would be extremely disappointed. When a team physically confronts you, you either stand up or you roll over.

“Carlton have rolled over against a younger team.”

When the Blues kicked the ball from side to side in their back half nearing three-quarter-time, the boos continued and Brown said: “This isn’t going to get you back in the game.

“That’s why the crowd’s booing, the Carlton supporters. Just getting through to three-quarter-time.”

Mark Howard added: “Radio talkback could get quite feisty on the way home I would’ve thought from the Blues fans if they can’t lift in this final term.

“Tough day for Carlton fans.”

Voss was seen berating his troops to “play their role”, the most simple of instructions, but it was all too little too late.

The dismal day for Carlton was summarised when a young kid in a Blues jumper was seen bawling after a goal review was called a point for his side.

“That is a summation of what’s happened to the Blues for that poor young fella,” Howard said.

“Mum and dad have brought him to the footy today full of hope.”

Brown quipped: “It’s bad parenting.”

Michael Voss screaming at his team before the final term. Photo: Fox Sports

Howard was right about talkback radio, with a number of fans calling 3AW in Melbourne to demand for change after the game.

Eddie called in and said: “I’m 57 years old and I’ve been watching Carlton for many years and we still lack heart.

“I’m pleased for North Melbourne, but we were absolutely done in the third quarter. I’m calling it out Voss, sorry mate, you’ve got to go. It’s time for a change.”

Adrian said: “They show a bit of spine in the last quarter so they can get selected again and not get dropped.

“There’s no heart and Michael Voss, you’ve got no idea what you’re going to get from that coach.

“You’ve got to take most of the blame Michael and we want you out of the football club. Time is up.”

Carol, a third generation fan of the club, said: “I’m on my way home from the football game, the whole family is very disappointed.

“I don’t like being critical of the coach and the players but we need something better.

“We make sacrifices to get to the game and we get this every few weeks. It’s not good enough.”

Snapper was the most fired up, yelling: “That game style today was disgusting. Chipping it around like we’re 10 goals up.

“I never leave the game early and we left at three-quarter-time. Piss off Voss, get out now.”

Those watching on were also shocked by the lack of effort from Voss’ side.

Michael Voss has some soul searching to do. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

While the fans have had their say. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Sports reporter Oliver Caffrey wrote on X: “Ugly day for Carlton. Booed by the sections of their own fans at HT and now 3QT.”

Mark Goldberg tweeted: “The Carlton supporters booing the umpires have showed more than the players all day.”

The Prendercast podcast said: “Every week Voss and his coaches find new and extraordinary ways to surprise me. They’ve genuinely got us playing the worst brand of footy in the league.”

Blues fan Justin Cooper added: “Where’s the spirit? Any intensity at the contest? Where’s the full buy in to compete? You don’t need talent to compete. What a train wreck.”

The Blues face the Power in Adelaide next week, while the Roos take on Hawthorn in Launceston.

Originally published as Blues fans turn on ‘bullied’ Carlton after heavy loss to North Melbourne