The recent controversy surrounding Elijah Hollands at Carlton has drawn considerable attention, but the underlying issue for the club is that it stands at a critical juncture, notably regarding the future of coach Michael Voss. The focus this week has rightly been on Hollands’ mental health struggles and how the club has navigated the situation, raising questions about his wellbeing.
Despite the spotlight on Hollands, Carlton’s on-field performance reveals significant problems. In a recent match against Collingwood, the team squandered a lead, ultimately succumbing to a seven-goal momentum shift that sealed their fate. This was the latest in a series of losses to their arch-rival, with the club now having lost five straight matches to the Pies. Such defeats have been particularly painful, further highlighting a disturbing trend of failing to close games after controlling them for extended periods.
Carlton’s inability to maintain leads has been evident again this season, with notable collapses during second halves. They excel in the first quarter, ranking third in the league but fall dramatically in subsequent quarters. Not only have they dropped leads against strong teams like Sydney and Melbourne, but they’ve also relied on opponents’ errors to avoid worse outcomes, exemplified when Richmond’s Tom Lynch missed crucial shots in their opening game.
These alarming patterns have persisted for over two years, dating back to apparent meltdowns in the 2024 season, and echo the sentiment expressed by former captain Sam Docherty regarding organisational issues. The responsibility for these failings rests heavily on Voss, who has struggled to implement changes effectively during his five-year tenure.
As the only AFL coach out of contract at the end of the season, Voss faces increasing scrutiny. The club must decide soon whether to extend his contract as they approach a challenging fixture schedule that includes games against top teams like Fremantle and Brisbane. Without key players like Harry McKay and Marc Pittonet, alongside Hollands, the club’s depth will be tested severely.
If Carlton cannot secure unexpected victories, their prospects for the remainder of the season look grim, possibly leading to a bottom-four finish. Such a result would likely prompt a reshuffle at the club, with Voss’s position coming under further threat. The Blues are in need of a decisive turnaround to reignite their hopes for the future.