Carlton's Crumbling Foundation: Is Voss Feeling the Heat?
Wow. Just… wow. Carlton’s start to the 2025 AFL season has been nothing short of disastrous. A shocking 0-4 record? Yeah, that’s not a typo. And it’s not just the losses; it’s *how* they’re losing. Four games, four second-half collapses. It’s like watching a slow-motion trainwreck, honestly.
They’re dominating the first half, building impressive leads – a +52 point differential, in fact. But then… the wheels fall off. The second half? A catastrophic -110 point differential. Seriously? That kind of swing is almost unbelievable. What’s going on?
The Mystery of the Missing Second Half
The stats don't lie. There’s a glaring difference between the first and second halves. Experts, like David King, are throwing around words like "attitude problem." He suggests a lack of fight, a dwindling commitment in the crucial moments. The Collingwood game was the perfect example – they got completely outscored 4.6 to 0.1 in the third quarter alone. Ouch.
It’s not just about skill; it feels like something deeper is at play. Is it fitness? Mental fortitude? Or something else entirely? It’s a puzzle that needs solving, and fast.
Voss: Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room
Coach Michael Voss has admitted the second-half performances are "unacceptable," and, you know what? He’s right. He's talking about collective responsibility and a need to get back to Carlton's usual standards. But, while he acknowledges the problems, concrete solutions seem elusive. Former players and commentators are even questioning the effort from senior players, especially in contested situations.
Adding to the pressure, star forward Harry McKay is out due to personal reasons. Voss is keeping mum on when he’ll be back, which, understandably, isn’t helping the situation.
A Nine-Day Break: A Chance for Redemption?
Carlton has a nine-day break before facing West Coast, followed by North Melbourne. These are crucial games. The pressure is immense. Finals? Right now, it feels like a distant dream. They desperately need to turn things around and quickly. This nine-day break could be their lifeline – or their final nail in the coffin. It's a huge test of their resolve.
Can Voss and his team find the answers they need? Can they rediscover that fire and determination that was so evident in the first halves of their games? The next few weeks will tell a lot about this team and its future. The season hangs in the balance.
Key takeaways: It’s a dire situation. They're winless, their second-half performances are baffling, and the lack of effort is concerning. Voss is feeling the heat and needs to find answers fast if he wants to save this season.
We'll be watching closely to see how the Carlton Blues respond. Stay tuned!
