ANOTHER week, another high-stakes clash.
Carlton is readying itself to play in front of another capacity crowd this Sunday, when the Blues host the Hawks in what will be the Club's Heritage Game to celebrate 160 years of history.
In doing so, the Blues will be looking for a return to winning form against another in-form opposition, as the 2024 home-and-away season reaches fever pitch.
This is what Voss had to say.
On the lessons from Saturday night:
“We’ve addressed some of the areas we need to improve, and also walked away feeling it was a lot more like us. There were big patches of footy where we played a great brand and a great style, but when we say it wasn’t long enough, one kick could’ve made the difference.
“We took a lot out of the game, a lot of positive out of the game, and we’ll obviously try to take a bit more of that momentum going into this one.”
On the search for consistency:
“We’ve had patches: it’s not so much about the edge, it’s the length of time we’ve played. Previously to that game, it was for a half and then it was other half. It was two quarters of us playing the way we want to and two quarters where we weren’t.
“We were finding it difficult to restrict opponents where they were able to kick multiple goals in a row. The second quarter for us can be looked at two different ways: you can look at the dominance the Pies had, or you can look at it that we were able to defend really hard for a long period of time and were able to kick a couple of goals ourselves.
“That’s where we focused our energy, what we need to be able to tidy up in those moments — but also acknowledge there was a fair bit of grit and persistence shown throughout that game. They’re characteristics we want to continue to emphasise within our group.”
On preparations heading into what has been “an elimination final”:
“We treat every game exactly the same. What we’re fortunate to do is we get the back end of the year - like 10 other clubs - where all the games matter. That’s something to look forward to.
“It’s a privilege we’re in the position to play those sort of games, playing against an opposition that are looking to cut their way through the competition as well. We’re hoping we get plenty of supporters along, getting our 80,000-plus would be nice: we’re looking forward to the moment.”
On what the team has been going after:
“It’s been the inconsistencies. When you talk about form, you can talk about entirety of games or small patches in games. That’s where we haven’t been as consistent as we need to be, that’s what we’ve got to get after.
“We felt like we got more right in what was a finals-like atmosphere. We take those learnings and lessons, and we put some confidence in behind it and we go again.”
On the pressure of the game:
“I hope we see where we are as a privilege, I don’t see it as pressure. These are the games we want to play in. As a football club, we’ve been talking for a long period of time about having an impact in this competition. That goal has not changed.
“Our goal is to have an impact in this competition, and every game we play in is extremely important to progress in that way and give ourselves the best possible chance. For us, it’s eyes in.
“We’ve got an opponent to play, we take each game as it comes and we put the best versions of ourselves out that we possibly can against this team.”
On who replaces Adam Cerra and Matthew Cottrell:
“Zac Williams has got to get through training, and if he gets through he’ll be available. We’ve got a couple of guys who have been in form in the VFL. We might have to shift a couple of magnets, but generally we’ve got very good cover and players in good form.
“For us, it’s being able to build that cohesion amongst one another, try to build that connection between our phases and mainly do it for a longer period of time. The competition we’ve played against, what it feels like over the year is a really high level.
“The games we’re talking about have been against the Western Bulldogs, GWS and Port Adelaide, teams that have been pretty handy sides. We’ve got to measure up again.”
On Adam Cerra:
“It’s not ideal. You want your best players out there and he’s had a very frustrating year, having the niggles in the hamstring in the same area. It’s been challenging for him and probably affected his confidence a bit as well, even when he’s come back.
“That’s not unusual for any player to go through. He’s an important player to us, so we’ve got to make sure we take our time when he returns and makes sure he gets the adequate work done. We’ve got to look at all things to make sure we get the outcome we’re after, which is to get him back fit and healthy.”
On a potential tag coming from Patrick Cripps:
“He gets it every week, he’s had attention on some level. One of the things ‘Crippa’ spent a lot of time on over the course of last year was some of the attention he got. He’s an absolute pro, so the detail he puts into his game to be able to manage that is important.
“If that comes his way, then it’s something he’ll expect, and if it doesn’t, he’ll go about his business. It’s been something he’s put a lot of work into.”
On commentary surrounding Charlie Curnow:
“I tend to look at the body of work when I look at form, instead of having a narrow focus on one or two games. The guy’s consistency over two or three years has been at an extremely high level.
“I’m not trying to say this tongue in cheek and be smart, but he’s won a couple of Coleman Medals — it shows he’s been fairly consistent over a long period of time. He has an off day, he has an off moment, that’s not unusual for anyone.
“His importance to us is significant, he knows that and the energy he brings to us. With very good players, you know it won’t be for a long time.”
On Andrew Russell’s departure at season’s end:
“He’s been an important person to us for a long period of time. He’s built some of these players, he talked today about ‘Weiters’ and his journey, ‘Doc’ and obviously ‘Crippa’.
“He’s chosen a different path, and we respect that with 26 years in the AFL industry. He’s known this a lot, he’s had an athletic background and he’s going to pursue some other interests.”
