'Earning your right': Blues’ tough call could see veteran depart as rivals circle

Carlton coach Michael Voss has spoken on the club's decision not to select key defender Mitch McGovern for round 23's clash with Port Adelaide, meaning the 30-year-old will fall short of a games trigger that would have given him a contract for 2026.

McGovern was best afield in the VFL last weekend upon his return from injury, but was overlooked at the AFL selection table for the Power clash at Marvel Stadium.

While it's assumed the Blues have opted not to pick him in order to keep their options open for the off-season, Voss played down that suggestion.

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"He's still well and truly alive. It more leans into how positive we've been with how the players have been playing in the defensive half, we've been able to introduce some new talent in that area and they've been quite settled in the last little period of time," Voss told reporters on Friday.

"While he's probably more on the back end of his career, rather than the front end, he's shown over the last couple of years that some of the concerns he had around his body, there's less of those.

"There's nothing wrong with earning your right on the way back in.

"The conversations I've had with him is he's been excited by what he's been seeing, but he's also desperate to play. We've got two games in a short period of time, so we have to weigh that up as well."

McGovern will naturally now look around elsewhere, with sources telling WWOS that both Brisbane and Port Adelaide have an interest in the intercept defender.

However, Carlton may still come to the negotiating table. It will be without young key defender Harry O'Farrell in 2026 after he tore his ACL.

Meanwhile, free agent defender Jack Silvagni has met with Collingwood, Essendon, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.

Not having access to any of that trio in 2026 would leave Carlton quite thin in defence around star backman Jacob Weitering.

On Silvagni, and fellow free agent Tom De Koning, Voss can see the writing on the wall.

"We're at the end of the season, and they haven't signed yet," Voss said.

"If you're lacking any confidence, it's probably around that, but in terms of needs and want to have them, we'd love for them to stay. But we're also realistic in where we sit in the season."

In better news for Carlton, star midfielder Sam Walsh will make his return from a foot injury that has kept him sidelined for months.

The Blues don't have a heap to play for across the final fortnight, given they're out of the finals race and don't have a first-round draft pick, but Voss said they simply couldn't keep Walsh out of the side.

"He's fit, he's been scratching at my door trying to get that opportunity. That's a great sign when you've got one of your leaders that wants to get out there, see it through, be part of it and be energised by some of the things he's seeing," Voss said.

"Some of the younger players, what they've been able to do and the influence they're having, we've been energised by that. He's really keen to see out the season strong, he's ready to go so we'll play him."

The Blues and Power only played each other six weeks ago, with Port Adelaide dominating the encounter.

Carlton will then finish the season with Essendon at the MCG before entering what will be a hectic off-season under new chief Graham Wright.

The club will be on the hunt for a new head of football, after dismissing Brad Lloyd earlier in the week.

They Blues are also expected to make changes around Michael Voss in the coaches’ box.