Cripps Admits Blues' Struggles, Dismisses Calls for Voss's Sacking After Shock Loss

2025-06-24
Cripps Admits Blues' Struggles, Dismisses Calls for Voss's Sacking After Shock Loss
Yahoo News Australia

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps has candidly acknowledged his team's disappointing performance this season, but has firmly rejected calls for coach Michael Voss to be sacked following a stunning loss to North Melbourne. The Blues suffered an 11-point defeat on Saturday, leaving them with a concerning 6-8 record and further jeopardising their hopes of a top-eight finish.
The defeat sparked immediate and intense speculation, with AFL legend Lance Franklin (Buddy) adding fuel to the fire by publicly suggesting Voss should be removed. However, Cripps, speaking after the match, insisted that dismissing the coach is not the solution to Carlton's woes.
"It's disappointing, no doubt," Cripps stated. "We're not where we want to be as a footy club. We've got a lot of work to do. But sacking Vossy isn’t the answer. We need to stick together, work harder, and find a way to turn things around."
The loss to North Melbourne was particularly concerning given the Kangaroos' own struggles this season. Carlton were widely expected to secure a comfortable victory, but a combination of poor execution, defensive lapses, and a spirited performance from the Roos ultimately proved decisive.
Cripps highlighted the need for improved consistency and a greater willingness to fight for every contest. "We're not holding onto the footy as well as we should be, our pressure isn't up to scratch, and we’re not winning enough of the 50-50 contests," he explained. “Those little things add up, and they’re costing us games.”
The pressure is now mounting on the entire Carlton playing group and coaching staff. While Cripps remains confident in Voss’s leadership, the Blues need to deliver a significant improvement in their performances in the coming weeks if they are to salvage their season. The team faces a challenging run of games ahead, and their ability to respond to this setback will be a crucial test of their resilience and determination. Fans are understandably frustrated, but Cripps’ message is clear: it’s time for the players to step up and take responsibility.
Franklin’s comments, while undoubtedly attention-grabbing, have been met with mixed reactions. Many within the AFL community believe that sacking a coach mid-season is rarely a successful strategy, and that a more measured approach is required to address Carlton’s issues. The focus now shifts to the players, with Cripps and the rest of the team needing to prove that they are capable of playing under Voss and achieving the club's goals.
Carlton's next match will be a significant indicator of their resolve. Can they heed Cripps’ call, rally together, and begin to climb back into contention? Or will the pressure continue to mount, and the calls for change grow louder?

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