Carlton midfielder George Hewett's omission was a statement Michael Voss needed to make.
A statement was needed, a circuit breaker to signal to the squad and footy world that Carlton was not going to stand for repeated fourth quarter fadeouts.
As the Carlton coach correctly pointed out at his weekly media conference: the media have asked him the same questions about his job security for the past three weeks.
The proverbial storm clouds are swirling around Ikon Park. A Richmond cafe was even adorned with ‘Sack Voss' graffiti.
George Hewett's numbers looked good, with a team-high 22 disposals and seven tackles, but his direct opponent Luke Davies-Uniacke got off the chain in the last quarter, standing up to help the Kangaroos run over the top.
“For (Davies-Uniacke) to do what he did in the last quarter, knowing that (George) Hewett was sitting on him for most of the game, he put him to the sword and got to work,” Roos forwards coach Xavier Clarke told Zero Hanger.
“He looked strong, dangerous and took the game on.”
Speaking about North Melbourne's maturity, his comment was designed to praise one of his own, rather than clip an opponent, but the way the matchup played out in the last quarter was patently clear for all to see.
As simplistic as it sounds, players are selected based on adherence to role.
Right now, Carlton needs to trust that those selected can play four quarters of footy given its continued fadeouts, and clearly Hewett did not keep his opponent quiet when it mattered most.
And there are not too many bigger statements than dropping the reigning best and fairest.
That North Melbourne won contested possessions by 10 despite North Melbourne going into the game without a recognised ruck is also an indictment and indication that the on-ball brigade needed something different.
Clearly Patrick Cripps needs to stay, and Jagga Smith will rightly be given every opportunity.
The Blues limited Sam Walsh's centre ball-up attendances in Round 4 after he was a staple in the first three games.
Walsh said following the Round 4 loss that Carlton was not good enough.
Voss has actioned it.
Now it's up to the Blues players to play against Adelaide not only like their season depends on it, but their spot in next week's lineup hinges on what they produce.
