'Carlton always comes first': Blues make surprise call on under-fire coach Michael Voss for 2026 season
Despite growing speculation and unrest amongst the supporter base, Carlton has officially committed to coach Michael Voss until the end of the 2026 season.
Voss' place on the hot seat ramped up following Melbourne's call to sack Simon Goodwin, though the Brisbane champion remained contracted for next year.
Following a five-hour board meeting on Wednesday night, the Blues have announced they will back their man in next season.
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Patrick Cripps and Michael Voss. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The 2025 season has been a disaster for Carlton, already eliminated from the finals equation and continuing on from a poor finish to 2024.
The Blues appeared more likely than not to move on from Voss externally, particularly given they have sacked four coaches since 2012.
Carlton president Rob Priestley said the board unanimously agreed with new chief Graham Wright's assessment that Voss is the man to lead the team into 2026.
"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," Priestley told the club's website.
"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.
The Blues have had a tough year. Getty
"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."
The Blues finish the year with games against Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and Essendon, before entering the off-season.
They will likely have to make big calls in and around Voss' coaching staff, the playing list and behind the scenes administrators in order to justify their status quo call.
Priestley and Wright have taken the helm in 2025 as new president and CEO respectively.
