Carlton senior coach Michael Voss launched a passionate speech at Carlton's best-and-fairest night on Sunday, demanding better from his side in 2026.
Voss took accountability for the Blues' miserable campaign, which saw the club slump to a measly record of nine wins and 14 losses, conceding that he "fell short" as coach.
"The truth of our season is simple. We didn't meet the demand, end of story," Voss said.
"No excuses, no BS. This game is not defined by words, it's defined by actions, commitments honoured and the way we show up every single day.
"That's where we begin, by owning it. As a leader, I fell short on what was required.
“That has been a difficult reflection. I let you down, and that sits really uncomfortably with me."
It was a year marred by controversy, fan disappointment and the looming departures of two key players at the club, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, but Carlton's 56-point loss to Collingwood in Round 17 is what Voss reflected as the "most humbling moment" of his coaching tenure to date.
"After our loss to Collingwood at the MCG mid-year, I was the last to leave. I was walking back to my car and the stands were empty. The noise was gone, but the silence felt louder than the roar ever did," Voss said.
"It was the most humbling moment of my career, not just reflecting on the loss but the heaviness we all carry together.
"Inside the locker room and outside in the stands, we as a club had culturally defeated ourselves.
“I could tell you what you'd like to hear tonight, but tonight is what we all need to hear.
“Right now, we are not a very resilient football club. This club is powerful if we choose it to be, but the fight must be out there, not in here.”
Voss is hopeful the Blues can rebound in 2026, however, and take the lessons of this year in their stride.
“I am deeply grateful for the chance to keep leading this incredible place but no expectation in this room will ever exceed the responsibility I feel for our club, our people and our families," Voss said.
"If 2025 stands for anything, it will be a defining mark in time etched in our journey, reminding us of who we are and what we want to become."
