Matthew Lloyd has ruled out a mid-season sacking for under-fire Carlton coach Michael Voss, despite growing speculation about his future and the looming threat of finals slipping away.
Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s high-stakes showdown against Port Adelaide, Lloyd labelled the match an “elimination final” and warned that the loser’s season could be effectively over, but insisted Voss would see out the year, regardless of the result.
“They're not going to make a decision on Michael Voss this (season), there's still nine games to go, just like Port Adelaide are who are playing tonight,” Lloyd told Nine’s Today. “So, whoever loses (tonight), their season is over.”
‘They want stability – they won’t make a rash call’
While fellow great Lance Franklin publicly called for Voss to be replaced, Lloyd said the club’s leadership is committed to avoiding another knee-jerk reaction.
“Carlton has sacked so many coaches over so many years, they've got a board and a CEO who have said they want stability, so they won't make a decision this year,” he said. “There won't be any rash decisions if they have a bad one again tonight, so he sees out the year.”
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Voss, who is contracted through 2026, is under pressure to lift a team that has struggled with form and confidence.
“They've been so low on confidence, they're playing really safe,” Lloyd added. “Let’s hope they can take the game on a little bit more.”
The Blues are currently sitting on six wins, and Lloyd believes Voss needs to at least double that tally to justify staying on.
“He’d want to at least try and double that, even if they don’t play finals… because he is contracted for next year as well.”
Captain Patrick Cripps is racing to be fit after illness forced him into quarantine in the lead-up to the clash.