Carlton has released a statement following the resignation of coach Michael Voss.
"The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Michael Voss has stepped away from his role as AFL Senior Coach," the statement read.
"A selfless leader throughout his tenure, the club came to a mutual agreement with Voss, who addressed players and staff at IKON Park today, expressing a wish to provide the club with clear air to progress in 2026 and pursue a new coaching direction.
"Voss departs IKON Park after nearly five seasons at the helm, during which time he led the Blues to consecutive finals appearances in 2023 and 2024, with 2023 culminating in a preliminary final."
Voss' decision to resign comes amid scrutiny and pressure following a horror start to the 2026 season.
The Blues are 16th on the ladder after claiming one win in nine starts, which was a narrow victory over Richmond in Round 1.
“Michael is a strong leader who has led our football club with great professionalism and a genuine commitment to Carlton,” Carlton President Rob Priestley said in a letter to members this afternoon.
“Across five seasons, he has invested himself fully in the role and handled himself with impressive character throughout. The fact this decision is mutual reflects his selfless mindset and the club thanks him sincerely for his contribution.
“During the off-season, the club was very intentional in implementing changes to refresh our football program, including appointing a new and highly credentialed General Manager of Football in Chris Davies, introducing six new coaches, and beginning a significant transformation of our playing list.
“Those changes were made not only with the long-term interests of the football club front of mind, but also with the intent of ensuring Michael had strong support to achieve progress in the areas identified for improvement.
“Ultimately, beyond results alone, we have not seen the intended evolution in our game, and to his credit, Michael acknowledges that now is the right time for the club to move forward under the leadership of a new senior coach.
“Our club will now commence that process, which will be led by Graham and Chris, two of the most respected football people in this industry, and we will go about this the right way to bring the best AFL Senior Coach we can to Carlton.”
Voss entered 2026 with an uncertain future after incoming CEO Graham Wright backed him at the end of last year.
Assistant coach Josh Fraser will take over as interim.
“As Rob and I have stated previously, we want to consistently contend and ultimately win premierships - that is why every single one of us is here - but to do that you have to be a realist about the gap we currently need to make up on the competition,” Chief Executive Wright said.
“What you are seeing right now is a football club in genuine transition, and we are not going to shy away from that reality. Since last year, virtually every senior leadership position has changed - President, Chief Executive, General Manager of Football, six new coaches, a playing list undergoing significant regeneration, and now the Senior Coach.
“No Carlton person is content with where we are at right now and we must demand better of ourselves. We will not be taking shortcuts, and we will be moving with real intent and purpose - attacking the draft again this year, marking three consecutive years of accessing elite young talent before Tasmania enters the competition, allowing us to continue building the next wave of talent through our AFL playing group.
“Rest assured we intend to maximise the remainder of the season to explore the possibilities within our playing list, and the desire to improve our on-field performance will absolutely remain.
“Our football department, led by Chris, remains intent on progressing forward and with Josh Fraser taking the reins in the interim, along with our other experienced coaches, we look forward to seeing what this group can now produce with the clarity today's announcement has now provided.”
Voss took over as senior coach ahead of the 2022 season, and after a promising start in the navy blue, failed to make finals despite sitting inside the top eight.
The following year, Carlton struggled in the first half of the campaign, but an impressive turnaround had the club return to finals for the first time in 10 years, knocking off Sydney and Melbourne before losing to Brisbane in a preliminary final.
Voss and the Blues snuck into September in 2024, but did no damage as they went down to the Lions in the first week.
Last year, due to injuries to key players, proved difficult for Voss and Carlton, almost spelling the end of his tenure.
A major shake-up of the football department as well as Wright's arrival declared a new era at Ikon Park.
The departures of Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni opened the door for fresh blood in the form of Ollie Florent, Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth, with the club attempting to regenerate its list without bottoming out.
Voss and his men were plagued by second-half blues over the past 18 months, costing the club multiple winning opportunities after failing to maintain the rage as matches went on.
Carlton's management of the Elijah Hollands situation only intensified the issues at the club.
The Blues wasn't Voss' first stint as senior coach, taking care of Brisbane for five seasons before he was let go during 2013.
Prior to his coaching, the former Lion was a champion player, winning three flags and claiming a Brownlow Medal, two MVP trophies, five All-Australian blazers and three best and fairests.
He was also the captain of Brisbane for 10 seasons during their golden era.
Ironically, Voss' five-year coaching tenure at Carlton came to an end against Brisbane at the Gabba.
He finished with 49 wins at the Blues.
