Carlton’s rising record of critics can preserve “flipping rocks” however coach Michael Voss is adamant his beleaguered group stays united in its try and salvage an AFL marketing campaign in freefall.
The blowtorch on the Blues intensified this week after a horror run of six losses in seven video games.
Off-field drama has fanned the flames with board member Craig Mathieson quitting after a heated argument with president Luke Sayers following final week’s defeat to Sydney.
Key ahead Harry McKay has confronted additional scrutiny over his ongoing goal-kicking woes and captain Patrick Cripps hit again at critics questioning the group’s tradition.
Injuries have struck down ruckman Marc Pittonet (damaged hand), Corey Durdin (knee), Ollie Hollands (shoulder), Nic Newman (hamstring) and George Hewett (concussion).
Carlton have recalled defender Lewis Young, Jack Silvagni, Zac Fisher, Lochie O’Brien and Alex Cincotta.
Voss mentioned the Blues will proceed to help one another as they search a type spike to reignite their finals hopes, beginning in Friday evening’s crunch conflict with Melbourne on the MCG.
“Keep flipping rocks but the reality is we’re pretty clear on what we need to be able to do next and what it’s going to take to make sure that we turn it around really quickly,” Voss mentioned.
“My focus is to ensure that we get out tomorrow night and we play good football.
“All this form of stuff is okay and (you’ll be able to) preserve turning over the rocks however we have a recreation to play.
“Where the focus lies for us is on that performance and making sure we get the best version of ourselves.”
Cripps this week took to social media to blast a report on the Nine Network’s Footy Classified that claimed he and Sam Docherty stayed away from the group lodge on final week’s journey to Sydney.
Voss was not shocked with Cripps’ response and backed his captain’s method.
“He’s a fantastic leader and while you’re going through a little bit of a lean time you find out a little bit about what you stand for,” Voss mentioned.
“He well and truly stood his ground and so he should.”
Voss continues to give attention to defence first as he seeks a circuit-breaking win and insists he will not make main modifications to McKay’s position, regardless of the 2021 Coleman medallist struggling in entrance of aim.
“Sometimes simple is better than complex, and that’s not just about what Harry’s doing,” Voss mentioned.
“That’s about us as a team and we’ll continue to reinforce those.”
Melbourne have misplaced their final two matches however pose one other large problem for Carlton, significantly within the ruck, the place imposing duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy lie in wait.
Lachie Hunter is again for the Demons after serving his one-game suspension, whereas key place gamers Adam Tomlinson and Joel Smith have been recalled.
Melbourne premiership gamers Michael Hibberd and Tom McDonald are out injured.
“They’re a good footy team and they’ve been proven performers over a long period of time,” Voss mentioned of the Dees.
“They’re pretty disciplined the way they go about it but those two (Gawn and Grundy) in particular have been a really significant difference at their respective clubs.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
