Voss attempts to move past Blues' off-field woes

Carlton coach Michael Voss has declared the leaking of former captain Sam Docherty's expletive-laden criticism an example of the club continuing to "culturally defeat" itself after a poor start to the AFL season.

Voss famously used the phrase in his address at last year's best-and-fairest ceremony, following a nine-win campaign that left the Blues out of finals action and the coach under increasing pressure.

The blowtorch has already been turned up for 2026, with a horror third quarter in a 63-point thumping from Sydney in Opening Round putting Carlton immediately under the gun.

Former skipper Docherty, who retired at the end of last season, labelled the Blues a "f***ing s***show" in a rant about their game style after the Swans defeat.

The 32-year-old's assessment was sent in a private voice message to former teammate and content creator Daniel Gorringe, who then aired it on social media without Docherty's knowledge.

The saga has only added to Carlton's woes ahead of their clash with Richmond at the MCG on Thursday night.

"People keep asking about last year's best-and-fairest speech and culturally we defeated ourselves, well, I just felt it was an example of that," Voss said.

"For us to have a productive conversation, I think we all need to know that we're not going to get mixed between the old and the new.

"We're new, and that's the way we're going forward."

Carlton have since removed Docherty from speaking duties at their pre-match function before the Tigers clash, though he is expected to appear at similar events in future.

Voss was quizzed about Docherty's criticism several times during his weekly press conference at Ikon Park on Tuesday, but repeatedly attempted to shift the focus.

"I'll move forward with the team I've got because a lot of the stuff becomes 'he said, she said'," Voss said.

"I could spend a lot of time talking about that here, but what I'd prefer to talk about is the game.

"We're beginning again, that's what you do need to know, so I'll be pretty strong on that through these conversations."

The spotlight on Voss has intensified further, with fresh reports about Carlton making an approach to Collingwood coach Craig McRae last year.

Blues CEO Graham Wright has denied a move was made.

McRae and Voss are close friends and triple-premiership teammates from their Brisbane Lions playing days.

"I don't worry myself about those things," said Voss, who was backed by Carlton in August to see out the final year of his contract in 2026.

"I haven't even thought about it. So, you ask me the question, I'll answer it, but I haven't even thought about it."

Despite the loss to Sydney, Carlton will likely start favourites in their next three matches against Richmond, Melbourne and North Melbourne.

Adam Saad will miss at least the Tigers clash with a hamstring injury, though Lachie Cowan and Matt Carroll are fit and shape as possible replacements.