Carlton coach Michael Voss has addressed the mounting pressure surrounding the club, emphasising unity and resilience as the Blues prepare for their upcoming clash against arch-rivals Collingwood
The Blues have now sunk to a six-and-nine record after what promised to be a successful season, yet Voss remains confident that both he and the team are fully focused on the rest of the year.
Fans have vented their frustration with the team's lack of success, most publicly with the recent vandalism of Ikon Park targeting the Carlton board members. But club president Rob Priestley spoke to calm the crowd, announcing that Voss would see out the year.
Voss and the team have now turned their eyes to the upcoming Friday night blockbuster matchup with the top of the ladder Magpies, ensuring that they are not dwelling on their run of poor form and heavy criticism.
"We have to keep focusing on what's important," he said.
"But we also acknowledge that there is frustration and disappointment as well, so we feel that and we hear that.
"What we've also had is tremendous support as well so, that's our club and we do this for Carlton.
"The way through this is to stay connected as a team... so that's what we continue to do and what we are really blessed with is we get to turn up tomorrow and we get to play in front of 80-85 thousand fans.
"We see that as a real competitive advantage for us, we want that noise in the stadium, we want to energise that noise in the stadium and passion is part of that, so we understand that and we certainly understand our responsibilities behind that as well.
All-Australian backman Jacob Weitering went down with an ankle injury in the side's loss to North Melbourne in Round 15, but remained in the team the following week despite some visible soreness.
Voss stated that this is a regular occurrence at this time of the year and identified Weitering's selection as a testament to Carlton's intent to play out the rest of the year at full intensity, despite finals being an unlikely outcome.
"A lot of players are carrying some sort of thing at this time of the year," he said.
"There's always a niggle, we're round 17, that's why it makes the season really long.
"But I also think it is to be stated that for us this season is live, there's a lot to get out of this year.
"There's nothing parked here, there's nothing to save, there's nothing to protect, we are going after it."
Carlton have lost four out of their last five matches against Collingwood, with Friday night a chance for them to cause a major upset.
