NOTHING is given.

AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss wanted his side to signal its intent from the opening bounce, and that’s exactly what Carlton did in the 71-point victory over West Coast.

In the Blues’ fifth consecutive win by a margin of over 50 points, widespread forced changes throughout the week - plus in-game - was counteracted by the team’s pressure and contest, particularly in a comprehensive first half.

This is what Voss had to say.

On the game as a whole:

“We had to start the game well.” 

“We’ve got the intent to do that every week, but we put a big emphasis on that and making sure we brought really good pressure at a minimum, to reflect what it’s been like in the last five weeks. It was important we had integrity around that. The boys really brought that. 

“Some of work around the contest in the first half was compelling, going forward at the game and putting them under pressure. It was pleasing. 

“After half time, the game died away a little bit and we had a few less people on the bench to try and manage on the ground. There were a few other circumstances that showed up for itself, but certainly when the game was on, we were at our best.”

On the in-game injuries:

“We’re hoping they’re only minor. We wait until Monday to find out. 

“‘Mots’, we’ll have a look at his calf, ‘Walshy’ was obviously a hamstring and ‘SOS’ as well with a knee. We’ll get them scanned, there’s no early indication around what that looks like, but we’re hopeful they’re all on the very minor end. 

“We are expecting it to be on the minor end, but with all of these, I discount nothing: I came in on Monday thinking my captain was alright, and then he wasn’t! So I’ll wait until Monday to make those assessments.”

On potential returns of Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra and Jack Martin:

“They should be all okay, and with Matt Owies, we’ll see how he goes during the week as well. They’re three that we’re hopeful he’ll return. 

“It’s a corked hamstring really [for Cripps]: it was one we didn’t really have sight on, I got the phone call on Sunday that it was a little more significant than we’d like. It took too long to get going and he couldn’t train: we tried on Thursday but it was shut down pretty quick.”

On Charlie’s 10-goal haul:

“It was a pretty impressive performance. With the theatre around it as well, to be able to kick the 10 in front of the home crowd, it was particularly pleasing. Even as a coach, I clapped it, so it must’ve been okay! 

“Some of the things he does out on the field, we’re all left in amazement at times with what he can do. The thing with Charlie and what he’s doing is it’s been less about him and how he operates in that forward line. The boys loving playing with him. 

“As a result of that, he’s playing good individual football. It’s nice to be able to see. He’s got some able assistance down there at the moment that are helping him out, but he certainly had a day out. We tip our hat to him.”

On attention turning to Friday night against Collingwood:

“I’ll be honest: we haven’t even thought about it yet. What’s been a real strength of our group is staying completely present with where we are right now. We have our next challenge in front of us. 

“The boys might be in the locker room talking about it now, but where our sight has always been is on the next week and on the next opposition. We’ll review it how we’ve normally done it, we’ll assess some injuries, we’re hoping to get some back and then we’ll move our eyes towards Collingwood.”

On being a different side to the one that last played the Pies:

“We are. We’ve made some small adjustments to our game, so we look somewhat different to that version [in Round 10]. We’re aware of the challenge ahead of us, they’re a pretty good side and they’ve been able to do it with an element of consistency. 

“We know what we’ve got ahead of us. We’re looking forward to it and we feel like we’re in really good shape. Our system is in good shape, players in good form, and we’d like a few back to help with the cause. 

“We feel like we come into this week and we’ve got a clear identity on what we want to bring.”

On the contributions of the inclusions:

“I’ve been really pleased with the guys that have come in and the roles they’ve been able to play in the team. We had a lot of changes today, but ‘Dowy’ came in with Ed, Hollands, Cowan, Honey and Young. 

“They all did roles for us, they’ve all been in really good form and biding their time. It’s been significant. That squad mentality hasn’t been spoken about a hell of a lot, but it’s been really important to us and our performances. 

“Some of the jobs we’re getting done, it’s from our role players that are doing a super job. It’s elevating us.”

On Paddy Dow:

“He’s certainly bided his time! I’m really pleased with what he did today. 

“Over the course of my time with him, he’s certainly well-equipped at AFL level, but he’s had some other challenges in terms of who he’s coming up against. What he was able to do today was pleasing in terms of stepping into that role."