Michael Voss said being backed to coach Carlton next season brought him a “hollow joy”, as the 50-year-old faced questions about game style, pressure and the fallout of a five-hour board meeting that ultimately endorsed his future.
The Blues confirmed on Thursday that Voss will see out his contract through 2026, following a recommendation from new chief executive Graham Wright despite a disappointing season that’s seen the club slump to just seven wins from 20 games.
MORE: Collingwood late season struggles mirror form before 2023 premiership
‘It sort of feels a little bit like hollow joy’
“There’s no contentment in how we’ve found ourselves here and how it’s played out,” Voss said on Friday. “Or feeling like there’s a contentment in being able to get that reassurance that you get to see out your contract.
“But there’s also gratitude and a privilege to be able to continue to lead this football club, and to be able to have that sense of direction.”
Voss pushed back on the perception that his future had ever truly been in doubt, calling the public and media speculation “theatre” and saying the mood inside the club had remained calm.
“It was like The Truman Show there at one stage: ‘man has coffee, man drives out of Ikon Park, man turns up to training, man goes to board meeting’,” he joked. “That was a bit strange. And to be honest, it probably did elevate it a little bit.”
MORE: Craig McRae blasts Collingwood after lowest score in his tenure
He also bristled at continued scrutiny over the Blues’ playing style, particularly suggestions they had shifted tactical focus midway through the year.
“No, that’s what you said, I didn’t say that,” he said bluntly, before reiterating the club’s long-standing emphasis on defensive structure.
Voss, who led the club to back-to-back finals series before this year’s downturn, insisted there was still plenty to gain from the remainder of the 2025 season.
“Our eyes come firmly fixed on what we need to do next,” he said. “And the next thing we have in front of us is another game.”