Carlton is reportedly prepared to make a statement at the selection table, with it being understood that Michael Voss will drop wingman Blake Acres from Thursday's clash against Brisbane.
The Blues are subject to immense scrutiny following a disappointing season to date, which has yielded six wins from 16 starts.
The Ikon Park club had top-four aspirations, but has wilted under the pressure, forcing speculation about Michael Voss' future beyond 2025.
Carlton has dropped Blake Acres for tomorrow nightโs clash against Brisbane @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL
โ Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) July 9, 2025
Carlton has used the second-most players this year (39), and sits behind Essendon, which has debuted a record 11 players.
The axing of Acres is a clear message from Voss about the standards the club is attempting to uphold, but has not met in recent weeks.
The Blues have lost to North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Collingwood, all of which Voss' men have underperformed.
Acres has played 14 matches in 2025, averaging his lowest tally of 17.93, which is his lowest since 2021.
The winger has struggled to make an impact and is the first notable name to be on the chopping block.
MORE: Should Carlton consider Rachele-style axing for star players?
Charlie Curnow is incredibly out of form, slotting 27 goals from 15 outings, while Tom De Koning has been forced forward on a needs-basis given injuries to key forwards.
Voss, who spoke on Wednesday amid reported death threats last week, revealed why De Koning would remain in the front half.
"I think we just keep it as a black and white conversation for now. We need him to play a role forward of the ball at the moment," Voss said.
"'Pitto' has been in some great form, and having another tall player down there beside Charlie has been really important. How we structure up the field is going to be important, that presence down the line will be important and maintaining intensity around the ball for 120 minutes has to be a feature of our game this week."
