AnySelected

Carlton are teetering on the edge of another disappointing season. With performances faltering and pressure mounting, it's time for a drastic intervention. Could a return to what’s become known as 'Camp Curnow' – a period of intense focus and strategic review – be the lifeline the Blues desperately need?

The whispers of 'Camp Curnow' first surfaced during David Teague's tenure, referring to the influential Curnow brothers – Ed and Marc – and their significant impact on the team's culture and direction. It represented a period of heightened intensity and a renewed commitment to the club's values. Now, under Michael Voss, with the team facing a critical juncture, the idea of revisiting that approach is gaining traction.

This isn't the first time Voss’s tenure at Princes Park has encountered turbulence. Just as in his second season, Carlton finds itself battling a slide, prompting questions about the team's trajectory and the coach's ability to steer them back on course. The current situation demands a bold response, and a return to the principles that underpinned 'Camp Curnow' could be a starting point.

However, simply repeating the past isn't a guaranteed solution. The landscape has changed. The players are different, the competition is fiercer, and Voss's coaching philosophy has evolved. Any revival of 'Camp Curnow' needs to be adapted to the present context, not a mere carbon copy of what came before. It requires a careful assessment of what worked then, what didn't, and how those lessons can be applied to the current squad.

The core tenets of 'Camp Curnow' – a relentless work ethic, a strong sense of accountability, and a commitment to playing a selfless brand of football – remain relevant. But Voss needs to ensure that the messaging resonates with the modern player and that the intensity is channeled effectively. A purely nostalgic approach could backfire, leading to resentment and a further decline in morale.

Ultimately, the success of any intervention hinges on the players' willingness to buy in. They need to understand that this isn't about blame or recrimination, but about a collective commitment to improvement. If the players embrace the challenge and Voss can effectively implement a revised version of 'Camp Curnow', then there's still a chance for Carlton to salvage their season. But if they resist or the approach is mismanaged, the Blues could be facing a long and difficult road ahead. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Carlton can rediscover their form and climb back into contention. The question remains: can 'Camp Curnow' 2.0 deliver the results the Blues so desperately crave?

The pressure is on Voss to find a solution, and fast. Carlton fans deserve better than another season of unfulfilled potential. The return to 'Camp Curnow' represents a gamble, but it might be the Blues' best hope of avoiding a complete collapse.