Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 8, 2024 9:25 am GMT
Michael Voss Leads Carlton into Elimination Final Against Brisbane
Blues Coach Optimistic for Postseason Challenge
Carlton Football Club’s senior coach, Michael Voss, is looking forward to leading his team into the elimination final against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba this Saturday night. Coming off a tumultuous finish to the regular season but armed with optimism, Voss sees this playoff opportunity as a fresh campaign for his club. “We see this as a different campaign and we have to take the long way home if we’re optimistic,” Voss commented during a media briefing.
Conditions and Team Dynamics
Playing in Brisbane provides a favorable environment for the Blues, with Voss noting, “The weather is a bit better here than Melbourne. The conditions are near perfect.” He stressed that as the season culminates in finals football, the focus shifts from consistency to performance capacity, emphasizing that “it’s more about finals football and the opportunity to be able to play against a really good opposition.”
While the team faces challenges, including the absence of key forward Charlie Curnow due to an ankle injury, Voss remains positive. Curnow communicated his readiness to play early Friday morning, but the coaching staff ultimately decided against his participation, prioritizing long-term fitness. Voss expressed hope that Curnow would be available for the following week.
Injured Players Make Their Comeback
Among the positive developments, the return of several injured players is a significant boost for Carlton. Voss highlighted Tom De Koning’s comeback, stating, “It’s nice to have him back… He’s going to have to do a bit of both [ruck and forward].” De Koning’s re-integration into the lineup comes at a crucial time as the team struggled with injury depth in recent weeks.
Furthermore, Sam Docherty, who is set to return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury incurred at the same venue earlier this year, is generating excitement. Voss remarked on Docherty’s resilience and readiness, “He’s going in extremely confident… Nothing shocks me with ‘Doc.’” Docherty’s leadership and experience are expected to play vital roles in guiding the team through the elimination final.
The Team’s Mindset Going into Finals
Elijah and Ollie Hollands, alongside other players, have expressed optimism about the postseason. Reflecting on the playoffs, Ollie stated, “Coming into September, it’s always that new season feel to it.” The sentiment underscores the mindset shift that typically occurs when transitioning into finals. “This is where we find ourselves… We’ve been really hard to beat,” he added, emphasizing that the team is well-prepared.
Jacob Weitering, a key defender for Carlton, acknowledged the challenges posed by Brisbane, a team known for its strong form in the latter parts of the season. “They’re a super side… It’s not going to be easy,” he warned, while expressing confidence in Carlton’s own abilities.
Team Chemistry and Strategy
Team cohesion is essential for successful finals play, as Voss noted that several players who have been out of action for extended periods will need to gel quickly with the rest of the squad. The adjustments required in their game plan may be mitigated by the thorough preparation undertaken in recent weeks. Voss emphasized the importance of monitoring player readiness and replicating game-like conditions in training.
“We’ve been able to do that over the last few weeks, so we feel like they’re ready to go,” he commented.
Brisbane, also facing its own challenges after a disappointing performance in the first week of the finals, is expected to be a formidable opponent. Understanding their capabilities will be crucial as Carlton develops its game plan for the match. Voss emphasized, “We’ve got a few weapons ourselves that we can get after.”
Prior Playoff Experiences
Reflecting on past matchups with Brisbane, Voss noted the intensity of previous finals games and momentum shifts that often characterized those encounters. The team’s experiences earlier this year only add to their preparation. “They were grand finalists last year, so they know the caper… but we feel we’re really well placed to have a real shot at it,” Voss said.
As Carlton moves forward into the elimination final, Voss’s positive outlook combined with the team’s bolstered roster could play pivotal roles in determining their postseason fate. The Blues’ resilience, strong preparation, and experienced players will be crucial as they aim to overcome the Lions.
The stage is ready for an exciting playoff game! Carlton is eager to show what they can do and keep moving forward in the 2023 finals series. They will be facing a tough team from Brisbane.
