Voss backs Blues to deliver in big moments
CARLTON coach Michael Voss says people would be wrong to assume the Blues cannot “thrive” in the final moments of tight games after a frustrating draw in the season opener.
The Blues have now played in three consecutive AFL games decided by less than a goal, coming away with only last weekend’s two premiership points.
Kysaiah Pickett’s matchwinning goal with 11 seconds left toppled the Blues by five points in round 22 last season, before worse heartbreak followed with the infamous onepoint loss to Collingwood.
The Magpies also held off a late barrage to defeat the Blues by four points in round 11, but Carlton did win two games decided by under a goal in 2022, against Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
Voss said there were some decisions made late in the Richmond game he wished could be taken back, but there were no structural issues with Carlton’s approach.
“We had a great discussion, there’s some really important lessons out of that. Once we looked at the system, we felt like the boys really stayed connected through those moments,” Voss said.
“They were able to execute what we were after from a system point of view.
“There’s probably a couple of decisions that we would like back. When you go through these moments, the unfortunate thing if you don’t finish it, there’s obviously going to be a fair focus on it.”
Carlton was in a better position to deliver in crucial moments following the draw, Voss said.
“I think every team wants to be sitting there playing in front of 88,000 people, the game’s on the line, you’re in those moments and how do you thrive in those moments?” he said.
“I think we’re making a real assumption here that we haven’t been able to thrive in these moments previously.
“There’s been plenty where we’ve thrived and there’s been big moments where our leaders have stood up.”
Voss said George Hewett was to be tested later on Wednesday after his hand was stood on against Richmond, while Marc Pittonet was “ready to go” if required against Geelong on Thursday.