Blues set to hand Michael Voss two-year extension after finals charge
After steering the Carlton ship out of some extremely murky waters in 2023, Blues coach Michael Voss is set to reap the rewards of a season that’s not done yet.
Carlton’s finals victory is set to secure coach Michael Voss a new coaching extension as Blues defender Adam Saad said his unwavering belief in the players helped turn around a season going pear shaped.
Voss’ tenure looked shaky mid-season with a six-match losing streak as his focus on contest and defence was mocked in some parts given the club’s inability to score.
President Luke Sayers delivered critical support but also said Voss would be “cool” with entering the 2024 season out of contract given the club and coach were on the same page.
Voss now looks certain to be handed a fresh two-year extension given the club’s first finals win since 2013 as the Blues attempt to become an AFL powerhouse.
Sayers could also ask for an extra season on his tenure as president under the club’s constitution to the end of 2025, while chief executive Brian Cook is contracted until the end of 2024 but is unsure if he will continue on.
For Saad it also franked his decision to cross from Essendon in a trade at the end of 2020.
He has played 66 of a possible 67 games and been a spectacular acquisition after the Blues gave up picks eight and 87 in return for 48 and 78.
He said the steady hand at the tiller of Voss had been a key factor in the club being given breathing space to turn their season around.
“You lose six in a row and the group stayed united and kept believing and look where it takes you? We backed in the system and backed the coaches and the unity was there the whole time,” Saad said.
“Vossy has been awesome, he has been amazing. His relationships with all the players and the care he shows, we have always fully trusted him and supported him so we love Vossy and how he’s coaching us.”
Captain Patrick Cripps lauded the club’s summer of training last-minute scenarios for their ability to run down the last 30 seconds with Sydney only six points down.
Cripps absorbed a tough tackle from the centre bounce without releasing it into space as Nic Newman took a key mark at half back to ice the game.
“It was my second final and first win,” said Saad of the riotous scenes across the MCG.
“It was pretty weird the last 30 seconds when they kicked a goal. The crowd was going off and then they just went quiet. But we just needed to keep it in the contest, take the seconds off the clock and keep it in close. It’s why you play footy. To play in September and hopefully we can see where it takes us.”
Saad was blown away by the step up in pace as a capacity crowd roared home every Carlton goal.
“It’s pretty special. The intensity just goes through the roof and to hold on and find a way to win was awesome. We are just soaking it up and enjoying the moment.
That is the game of footy, momentum swings and we knew they would keep coming. We stuck to what we do and we found a way to win.”
More Coverage
Inside AFL’s draft combine: See the standouts, surprise packet
Draft hopefuls for both the AFL and AFLW were put to the test at this year’s combine, with one Victorian key forward producing a stunning 20m sprint. See the results and more here.
Rivals plot Taranto swoop, Tigers plan record draft haul
Rivals are planning to test the resolve of more Richmond stars in trade talks after this year’s Punt Road exodus. Plus, how many draft picks will the Tigers end up with?