“I DON’T know any other way.”

That was the response drawn from Michael Voss when the question came in from Rick via Carlton’s social media: ‘will we see our boys play on the edge with aggression?’.

The noise coming out of Carlton all pre-season has been that the coaching staff has encouraged the players to bring the heat in terms of their pressure.

That was never more evident than the first quarter, when the Blues dominated field position with 19 inside 50s to St Kilda’s five. 

Largely, that came about from the Blues’ ability to pressure the opposition and not let the Saints out of their defensive half. 

For Voss, who was answering Carlton member questions for 20 minutes post-match on Friday morning, it’s a side of the game which he (unsurprisingly) regards as a clear non-negotiable.

“It’s a primary part of the game,” Voss said.

“We talk about system and how we want to play, how you want to shift the ball of the line, how you want to defend as a team. But it starts with effort, intensity and aggression around the ball.

“I don’t think that part of the game will ever change. I know that if we are able to bring that for 22 weeks, we’ll get some really strong results.

“It’s something we need to ensure we continue to emphasise and make sure we get there. It won’t be through a lack of encouragement.”

BACK IN THE COACH’S CHAIR

The smile instantly came across Voss’ face when quizzed by a fan on what it was like to be back coaching. 

Not since 2013 has Voss overseen a game in the role of Senior Coach, until yesterday morning at IKON Park at least. 

BEHIND THE SCENES Snaps from the bench

Speaking at length throughout the pre-season about his desire to make the most of his second chance, he said while it wasn’t the complete real deal yesterday, it was as much of a dress rehearsal for him as it was for the players.

The way Voss initially described the experience was “quite surreal”.

“You re-engage straight away with the emotions of the game when you’re sitting up there with your other coaches,” he said.

“You can sit back and when you’re observing the way you play, you’re proud of what your coaches and the team are able to put out there and the players’ application.

“I hope that only grows throughout the season.”

HALTING THE MOMENTUM SWINGS

After bursting out of the blocks and having the fans at IKON Park find their voice in the opening term, Carlton stagnated in the second term, only mustering five behinds as St Kilda got back into the game. 

For Voss, there wasn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to ensuring the Blues quell the damage when losing the arm wrestle in-game. 

In some instances, it’s a sum of its parts. On other occasions, it’s making the most of opportunities when they’re presented.

Voss said it would be a continual focus for the Blues, and that the situation presenting itself in February gives the side the best chance to deal with it in-season.

“We don’t suspect that we’re going to be able to control all scenarios in the game. But what we have to be able to do is deny the scoreboard,” he said.

“The very best teams are able to hold that scoreboard, be able to absorb and get that goal against the run of play. We certainly had our opportunities.

“If we finish those opportunities, maybe that scenario is slightly different. It’s a little bit of the whole, but it's also about maximising what we do.”