Carlton Football Club has publicly confirmed that Michael Voss will continue as head coach for the 2026 season. The decision comes following a lengthy board meeting at Ikon Park on July 7, 2023, where Voss’s future was a central topic. Incoming chief executive Graham Wright, who will officially take over from Brian Cook next week, presented his recommendation to the board, which resulted in unanimous support for Voss.
Rob Priestley, president of Carlton, stated, “We were clear following round 16 that we would utilise these remaining games to make calm, rational and fully informed decisions that will take our football club forward.” He emphasized that the board has now reached a conclusive stance regarding their senior coach.
During the meeting, Wright highlighted the importance of regular communication between him and Voss, stating, “Graham and Michael have been meeting regularly, during which time they have been engaged in open and honest dialogue with one another on what is required for us to evolve as a football side.” Priestley praised Voss’s leadership during a challenging season, noting his ability to navigate immense pressure.
The Blues have encountered difficulties this season, currently positioned 13th in the league with a record of 7 wins and 13 losses, marking their first miss of the finals since 2022. As Voss prepares for an upcoming match against finals-bound Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium, he will address the media on Friday to discuss the team’s performance and future strategies.
Priestley declared, “We want to make it absolutely clear that Michael Voss is the coach of the Carlton Football Club and he will remain the coach of the Carlton Football Club.” This endorsement aims to bolster confidence within the club and among fans during a turbulent period.
Looking ahead, Carlton aims to focus on improvement while Voss and Wright work closely to enhance the team’s performance. The direction set during this board meeting marks a crucial step towards revitalizing the club’s fortunes on the field.
