‘A strong and selfless leader’: Voss to coach Carlton in 2026

3 months ago 7

Michael Voss will coach Carlton next year, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The Blues have shut down speculation over Voss’s future by declaring he will coach “into the 2026 AFL season”.

The club had said no decision would be made on the coach until the end of the season but have moved that timeline forward by three weeks.

Michael Voss will coach the Blues next year.

“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 and that is what we will continue to do,” Carlton president Rob Priestley said.

“The first of these has been in relation to our senior coach, which we are now in a position to provide clarity on following last night’s scheduled board meeting.

“Last night, Graham presented a recommendation to the board of directors that Michael remains as our senior coach into next season.

“This recommendation was unanimously endorsed by the board.

“For the last few months 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.

“Michael’s ability to lead our football club this year in the face of incredible pressure has displayed the attributes of a strong and selfless leader.

“Carlton always comes first for our coach, and Graham and Michael share a clear and aligned view on the opportunities to improve football performance.

“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.”

Carlton had a scheduled board meeting on Wednesday night and major agenda items, including the future of Voss and his assistant coaches, were discussed over the course of nearly five hours.