All three of Carlton's leadership group were shocked when learning that Michael Voss handed in his resignation papers, but acknowledged, in hindsight, that his messaging in the Brisbane outing had a sense of finality.
But what does that mean for Patrick Cripps (contracted until the end of 2027) and Jacob Weitering's (2031 future, who have been brought up in trade speculation?
"I'm contracted for next year," Cripps said.
"I'm really committed in terms of this season and I'm not going to wave the white flag and waste the year. There's a lot to play out this year. It's a privilege to play AFL. It never gets lost on me, especially for this footy club.
"So I'm going to lead it for the same way I've been doing it for the last six or eight years, and wear the jumper with pride."
Weitering echoed his captain's comments.
"Most certainly (I want to stay)," the defender said.
"I made the decision a long time ago that I wanted to be a Carlton player for life. I've got five years left on my contract.
"The leaders have a job to do. We've got to lead this club forward through actions and words, and I want to be part of that."
Cripps and Weitering were joined by fellow leader Sam Walsh to front the media following Voss' departure on Tuesday.
The trio lauded their former coach's honesty and transparency but noted it was an emotional time.
"It's hollow feelings," Cripps said.
"It makes you reflect on the last four years we've had with Vossy and it's pretty emotional. I was shocked it was this early in the year. I didn't think it was going to happen like this, but trying to absorb it today.
"The conversation I had with him, he felt it was the best way forward for the club, and I respect 'Vossy' so much for going out on his terms, but also he's talked about putting Carlton first."
Weitering said Voss brought the club from its knee to a contender when he walked through the doors at the end of 2021.
"He came in at a time when the club was pretty much on its knees," the key defender said.
"Internal review. Multiple changes in different leadership positions, the players probably lost confidence in their ability to win games. And in a pretty short period of time, he turned that around very quickly."
Voss' departure is yet another notch on the Carlton coaching departure belt this century.
At Ikon Park, Cripps and Weitering have had to endure four senior coaches leave, although the former doesn't feel let down by the club.
"A lot of the things you don't have any control over as a player," Cripps said.
"You want to be competing. You want to be playing finals footy. That's everyone's motivation as a player, especially towards the back end of your career.
"I want to keep working hard with the boys, and keep trying to lead this club. It's an honour to lead this club."
Walsh said the players should take accountability for the poor performances, but appreciated how Voss continued to lead the club despite the immense pressure.
"Today was more getting around Voss and so thankful for the amount of effort and best leader I've come across in football."
Interim coach Josh Fraser will take over for the remainder of the 2026 season, and Walsh can see the attributes he has to make it as a senior coach.
"My first year at the footy club, he was the VFL head coach," Walsh said.
"I've seen him in the head coach role before. I think his ability to have really good relationships with the players has been there since he's come back.
"Our meetings hasn't just been 'Vossy' running it, so we've had a taste of what his style is."
