AFL legend Matthew Lloyd has voiced his lack of surprise regarding Carlton’s reported outreach to rival coaches while deliberating over the future of their head coach, Michael Voss. In June, Carlton’s president, Rob Priestley, announced that the club would undertake a thorough evaluation over an eight-week period before making any decisions concerning the coaching role. This culminated in a lengthy five-hour board meeting last week during which Voss was confirmed to continue in his position.
Sam McClure from Nine’s Footy Classified disclosed that multiple candidates, including current rival coaches, were approached for the Carlton coaching role expected to commence in 2026. However, Carlton has denied these claims, asserting that the report is “untrue, misleading and factually incorrect.” According to McClure, the coaches who were contacted ultimately declined the opportunity. Incoming CEO Graham Wright is reported to have recommended to the board that Voss should remain as head coach.
Lloyd acknowledged the practice of clubs assessing other coaches is not uncommon, stating, “It’s not the first nor the last time this had happened.” He drew parallels to Damien Hardwick’s situation in 2017 with Richmond, noting that uncertainty often surrounds coaches’ futures but can lead to successful outcomes. Voss, contractually bound with the club until the end of 2026, is perceived to be under pressure to demonstrate improvement in the upcoming season.
When asked if he found it surprising that Carlton was exploring other coaching options, Lloyd responded, “Not really no, I’m not surprised.” He acknowledged that it is prudent for clubs to conduct thorough evaluations and consider all possible candidates while supporting their current coach.
The ongoing coaching situation at Carlton reflects the high stakes and competitive nature of AFL, as clubs strategise to secure their futures and ensure success on the field.