“IT’S A critical relationship. Being able to have those really strong conversations with your captain is extremely important, and him having the ability to articulate what he needs to back to the coach is equally important.”

Three days out from their first official game as the AFL Senior Coach and captain of the Carlton Football Club, Michael Voss and Patrick Cripps have built a foundation on what both acknowledge is a crucial bond. 

After Voss was announced as coach back in September and Cripps as sole captain in February, Thursday night marks the end of a transformative pre-season — and the beginning of a new chapter for both individuals.

Speaking on SEN last week, Cripps said that his initial dealings with Voss had been nothing but positive as the Blues prepare for their first campaign with the 46-year-old at the helm.

“He’s so good at relationships with not only the players, but also the coaches. The way he empowers his coaches around him has been really impressive,” Cripps said.

“When he does talk in meetings, he has a presence about him. He talks with so much clarity and passion that when you leave the room, you want to run through a brick wall for him. 

“I know all of the boys are loving him so far. It’s still early days, but the way he has come in with a new group of coaches has been really impressive.”

As someone who formed one half of arguably the most formidable captain-and-coach partnership with Leigh Matthews, Voss is all too aware of what the relationships entails and how important it can be.

Having coached against Cripps a number of times when he oversaw the midfield at Port Adelaide, Voss knew what the on-baller was capable of in the heat of battle, but said it was his leadership which he continues to show a keen passion for in his time at the Club.

He said it would be a relationship that the two would continually look to build on over the course of the season and the years ahead.

“As a captain and coach, we have to have that relationship where he can freely move about on the field and do what he needs to be able to get the best out of everyone on the field,” Voss said.

“The captain always takes the message and the plan out with him. We’re the ones that get to observe from afar, and he’s the one that gets to go out there and execute.

“Equal to whatever playing talents he brings is his leadership and the journey he’s been on with that. He has a real passion with that and he’s extremely excited to lead this group. He’s really hungry for success and he can’t wait to start playing.”