Michael Voss senior coach since Sept 2021: Simmo to Blues

SurreyBlue · **Joined:** Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:32 am **Posts:** 11005

diesel95 wrote:

Fixture is out and on first glance most of the games are tough especially leading into finals. from R18 onwards, Hawks, Pies, Suns Lions, Aints, Dogs, Dockers. Given our lame 2025 results, most of the games look challenging. Nowhere to hide for Vossy this season given the fixture.

ball movement is going to be so important to our season and we showed glimpses on he backend this year. even if stoppage/clearances is our ‘one wood’ it won’t score us enough goals to win most games with one less KPF and team defences always improving.

onwards and upwards.

TAFKA BamBam7 · **Joined:** Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:11 pm **Posts:** 889

bondiblue wrote:

Maybe you're sure about Charlie v Cripps, but from what I've seen, I'm sure Charlie struggles one on one against players Cripps size and strength.
I saw Josh Battle beat him one on one. I've seen Pink hold him goalless. They are not stronger than Crippa. Crippa is one of the strongest players in the AFL. He moves ruckmen.

On the other point re Cripps taking uncontested marks, the answer is yes when he roams forward. Cripps is not a classic CHF, nor has he played a classic CHF or FF role, but he's beaten players one on one in a marking contests. Can't deny him of that.

I have a strong feeling we will see more rotations this year in the midfield group, and with Charlie not replaced (especially if O'Keefe isn't playing) Cripps WILL feature forward, if we don't draft a KPF. Injury to Smith, Walsh and Elijah MIA meant Cripps was needed in the midfield, with support from younguns Lord, and yest to be seen Ben campo. Williams went through midfield and did OK, but he was the most dangerous Small forward we had, so didnt see that much of him in there.

This is my recollection too (may or may not be influenced by my recently acquired hatred towards him).

Charlie looks like Tarzan, but wrestles like Jane. Relatively speaking.

No chance he out-muscles Crippa one on one if they are standing under the footy. He would need to get half a step ahead of him on the lead to win that contest.

Ditto against Weiters.

Which, in fairness, is where he might flourish in Sydney, assuming their I50 delivery is better than ours.

17th Premiership · **Joined:** Fri Dec 15, 2006 8:22 am **Posts:** 2873

He wouldn’t out-wrestle Cripps but he would stand his ground and then suddenly stretch out his telescopibpc arms and mark the ball or get a free for interference.
Charlie receives a lot of frees which other supporters think are soft because defenders panic around him and infringe.

We don’t need to be revisionist: When he’s on, he is unstoppable.
However, he is mostly not on often enough in a season or even during a big match against strong opposition.
And he doesn’t conform to team plans and rules as much as others; he plays on instinct and loves the big moments which move the crowd! His big moments are amazing but they are not as common as the times he tries but stuffs it up.
And, as has been well documented, he has struggled to bring his best in the finals.

Overall, I think we will be better in 2026 than we were this season. We have a better spread of higher quality players - we’ve lost an elite player who performs at this level 60% of the time but have added 3 good to excellent players who play to their capacity 80% of the time and add speed, tenacity, and variety.

And for those who may be rating Hayward as average…. Let’s not overrate TDK either. At his best, he is elite. However, overall, I would rate him above average at best. And even when he is elite, this is often based on clearances which are blindly bombed forward. I would love to have kept him - I do think he will keep improving and esp with the new ruck rules will be great for the Saints. However, many teams do quite well without an elite ruckman.

So, net-net, we have lost a couple of our top end players. But added that middle layer that evens up our list and lifts the floor of our bottom end players. The rest is up to Voss (and the medical/HP team). And, of course, the players!

diesel95 · **Joined:** Fri Oct 04, 2013 7:59 pm **Posts:** 1327

bondiblue wrote:

Maybe you're sure about Charlie v Cripps, but from what I've seen, I'm sure Charlie struggles one on one against players Cripps size and strength.
I saw Josh Battle beat him one on one. I've seen Pink hold him goalless. They are not stronger than Crippa. Crippa is one of the strongest players in the AFL. He moves ruckmen.

On the other point re Cripps taking uncontested marks, the answer is yes when he roams forward. Cripps is not a classic CHF, nor has he played a classic CHF or FF role, but he's beaten players one on one in a marking contests. Can't deny him of that.

I have a strong feeling we will see more rotations this year in the midfield group, and with Charlie not replaced (especially if O'Keefe isn't playing) Cripps WILL feature forward, if we don't draft a KPF. Injury to Smith, Walsh and Elijah MIA meant Cripps was needed in the midfield, with support from younguns Lord, and yest to be seen Ben campo. Williams went through midfield and did OK, but he was the most dangerous Small forward we had, so didnt see that much of him in there.

i agree the midfield options are much deeper for Blues in 2026 barring any injuries. and as you and others have pointed to, more depth on all the lines means more options to rotate players through the middle. i’ve seen Lions do that during games. it seems to work.

i’d love it if Cripps can pinch hit at CHF bc with Charlie gone we really need solid KPFs to take their attention away from Harry and whomever else is playing hot up forward during the game. that’s ge key to beating modern defences, having a star CHF or FF (Jeramy Cameron in 2025 for example) isn’t nearly enough. teams need to stretch oppo defences with a mix of height, strength, ground ball skills, speed and most important of all, intelligent and fast ball movement. Cripps is smart enough and powerful enough that he can definitely add something to our forward mix if we can spare him from the middle during parts of the game.

also, whether it’s a Voss problem, or a perception thing, we seem to have been way too predictable for opposition coaches and players under Voss, allowing them to play the averages and reduce our effectiveness going I50. anything that changes that is a good thing.

bondiblue · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 1:36 pm

17th Premiership wrote:

He wouldn’t out-wrestle Cripps but he would stand his ground and then suddenly stretch out his telescopibpc arms and mark the ball or get a free for interference.
Charlie receives a lot of frees which other supporters think are soft because defenders panic around him and infringe.

We don’t need to be revisionist: When he’s on, he is unstoppable.
However, he is mostly not on often enough in a season or even during a big match against strong opposition.
And he doesn’t conform to team plans and rules as much as others; he plays on instinct and loves the big moments which move the crowd! His big moments are amazing but they are not as common as the times he tries but stuffs it up.
And, as has been well documented, he has struggled to bring his best in the finals.

Overall, I think we will be better in 2026 than we were this season. We have a better spread of higher quality players - we’ve lost an elite player who performs at this level 60% of the time but have added 3 good to excellent players who play to their capacity 80% of the time and add speed, tenacity, and variety.

And for those who may be rating Hayward as average…. Let’s not overrate TDK either. At his best, he is elite. However, overall, I would rate him above average at best. And even when he is elite, this is often based on clearances which are blindly bombed forward. I would love to have kept him - I do think he will keep improving and esp with the new ruck rules will be great for the Saints. However, many teams do quite well without an elite ruckman.

So, net-net, we have lost a couple of our top end players. But added that middle layer that evens up our list and lifts the floor of our bottom end players. The rest is up to Voss (and the medical/HP team). And, of course, the players!

Spot on

Charlie is a flat track bully.
2025 kicked 4 goals vs North. Only game more than 3.
2024 kicked 4 goals vs North (opponent Corr)
2024 kicked 4 goals vs Lions round 0 afdter failing in 2023 Finals.
2023 kicked 4 goals v Suns
2023 kicked 10 goals vs Eagles
2023 kicked 9 goals vs Eagles
2023 kicked 6 goals vs North
2023 kicked 6 goals vs Pies on a loose checking Moore

Play close to Charlie and he's just another Logan McDonald, Amartey who play well against weal opposition, but when the going gets tough, they go to water.

This is why losing Charlie isnt hurting as much as losing a Cripps, or Weitering....you know...real stars.

bondiblue · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 1:37 pm

diesel95 wrote:

also, whether it’s a Voss problem, or a perception thing, we seem to have been way too predictable for opposition coaches and players under Voss, allowing them to play the averages and reduce our effectiveness going I50. anything that changes that is a good thing.

THIS !!!!

Change it up in 2026.

Variety and even spread of goal kickers to keep oppo guessing AND hitting up team mate in best position.

Sydney Blue · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 2:49 pm

bondiblue wrote:

17th Premiership wrote:

He wouldn’t out-wrestle Cripps but he would stand his ground and then suddenly stretch out his telescopibpc arms and mark the ball or get a free for interference.
Charlie receives a lot of frees which other supporters think are soft because defenders panic around him and infringe.

We don’t need to be revisionist: When he’s on, he is unstoppable.
However, he is mostly not on often enough in a season or even during a big match against strong opposition.
And he doesn’t conform to team plans and rules as much as others; he plays on instinct and loves the big moments which move the crowd! His big moments are amazing but they are not as common as the times he tries but stuffs it up.
And, as has been well documented, he has struggled to bring his best in the finals.

Overall, I think we will be better in 2026 than we were this season. We have a better spread of higher quality players - we’ve lost an elite player who performs at this level 60% of the time but have added 3 good to excellent players who play to their capacity 80% of the time and add speed, tenacity, and variety.

And for those who may be rating Hayward as average…. Let’s not overrate TDK either. At his best, he is elite. However, overall, I would rate him above average at best. And even when he is elite, this is often based on clearances which are blindly bombed forward. I would love to have kept him - I do think he will keep improving and esp with the new ruck rules will be great for the Saints. However, many teams do quite well without an elite ruckman.

So, net-net, we have lost a couple of our top end players. But added that middle layer that evens up our list and lifts the floor of our bottom end players. The rest is up to Voss (and the medical/HP team). And, of course, the players!

Spot on

Charlie is a flat track bully.
2025 kicked 4 goals vs North. Only game more than 3.
2024 kicked 4 goals vs North (opponent Corr)
2024 kicked 4 goals vs Lions round 0 afdter failing in 2023 Finals.
2023 kicked 4 goals v Suns
2023 kicked 10 goals vs Eagles
2023 kicked 9 goals vs Eagles
2023 kicked 6 goals vs North
2023 kicked 6 goals vs Pies on a loose checking Moore

Play close to Charlie and he's just another Logan McDonald, Amartey who play well against weal opposition, but when the going gets tough, they go to water.

This is why losing Charlie isnt hurting as much as losing a Cripps, or Weitering....you know...real stars.

Jeremy Cameron kicked 88 goals this season - 64 were against sides that finished outside the 8
He kicked 24goals in 13 games against teams in the 8 - zero in the Grand final

So most forwards are flat track bullies

camel · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 3:23 pm

Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson set to land new job at Carlton
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/former-w ... c-20714821

Quote:

West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson is in advanced talks with Carlton over a director of coaching style role to assist Michael Voss for 2026.

7NEWS understands the Blues have targeted the 2018 flag winner to help their beefed-up football department next year.

Those close to Simpson suggested he was strongly considering the new position that would be part-time.

It’s understood Simpson had been sounded out by a number of Victorian clubs, but has settled on Carlton.

After parting ways with head of football Brad Lloyd after a disastrous 2025 campaign, the Blues appointed Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies to oversee their football department.

Senior assistant Ash Hansen was moved to the backline to replace the outgoing Aaron Hamill, while Leigh Adams has been appointed midfield coach alongside Tim Clarke.

Jordan Russell, who this year led the forward line has shifted into development, with Josh Fraser replacing him after moving across from Collingwood.

Simpson, who was sacked by the Eagles in July 2024, will relocate to Melbourne ahead of next season.

The 49-year-old this year worked in the media after taking a year out of club land and is expected to retain his media commitments in 2026.

Simpson’s appointment will only intensify questions over the future of coach Voss, who has been given no assurances by the Blues and CEO Graham Wright beyond the start of 2026.

Simpson coached West Coast for 10 and a half seasons, leading the Eagles to a stunning premiership in 2018.

More to come ...

I accept that the media will likely be the cause of any pressure that this may cause for Voss, but in theory, this could be an awesome appointment for us, yeah?!

daggs001 · **Joined:** Fri Feb 10, 2006 3:20 pm **Posts:** 1842

Seems far more measured than Hinkley. Very good addition if true.

MPH78 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 3:54 pm

Like it. Our entire coaching panel needed major support.

london blue · **Joined:** Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:08 pm **Posts:** 3380

Many premiership coaches have coaches with senior experience on their team.

We’re continuing to beef up which is terrific. Well done

Frank Carspew · **Joined:** Thu Sep 04, 2025 11:46 pm **Posts:** 334

Great get but does naturally put extra pressure on Voss can’t be otherwise

Traveller86 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 31, 2021 12:58 pm **Posts:** 2314

2027 coach? :lol:

No excuses now, Vossy.

tommi · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 4:45 pm

I’m happy with this….

kindest regards tommi

For what it’s worth really…but yeah…good brain to have
around the club….

keogh · **Joined:** Fri Jul 29, 2005 6:36 am **Posts:** 6564

Another person who has dined out of being a premiership coach
His last few years at WC were disgraceful
Let standards slip
Left the club in an horrendous state
I guess you want experience but someone younger
Doesn’t necessarily have to been a successful senior coach or coach of an AFL club
Jimmy Bartel
Stevie J

Sydney Blue · **Posted:** Tue Nov 18, 2025 5:53 pm

Good move.
In recent years teams that have won flags usually have a coach and an ex senior coach on their panel.

Sent from my SM-F956B using Tapatalk

aboynamedsue · **Joined:** Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:09 pm **Posts:** 6102

It doesn’t sound like he will be on the coaching panel. Sounds more like the “objective sounding board” role that Walls had when Bolts was coach; ie. no player contact, arm’s length from operations, less than part-time, consultant. Basically someone who is a step removed from the day-to-day that Voss and the other coaches can have a coffee with occasionally.

diesel95 · **Joined:** Fri Oct 04, 2013 7:59 pm **Posts:** 1327

Good move to get the coaches a coach, because let’s face it, they left a lot undone this year and losing a PF six goals up at QT speaks to a certain lack of polish. not sure Simpson was the go to given how pathetic WCE Eagles have performed for a few seasons but i wouldn’t really know how much that’s on him and how much other factors came into it like list manager and administrators overusing him.

a fresh set of eyes and a sounding board for the coaches is good. hopefully the start to question their ‘one wood’ fixation and start trying a few more tactics and innovations. no rest for the wicked and we were useless this year.

Mickstar · **Joined:** Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 8090

I think apart from being good for Voss and all the assistant coaches Simpson will be very good for the whole Club . Simpson's calm steady presence will hopefully infiltrate the whole Club . I think its a great get all round .

Blue Vain · **Joined:** Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:35 am **Posts:** 18350

Brilliant get. From memory Simmo was a huge Carlton fan growing up so hopefully that swayed him.
He'll be great value. Loving most of the off season moves being made by the club this year.

Michael Voss senior coach since Sept 2021: Simmo to Blues

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