How Carlton can return to finals contention in 2026

SEN • August 22nd, 2025 11:14 am

Can Carlton return to being a genuine finals contender in 2026?

That was the question on Kane Cornes’ mind after the Blues finished their 2025 season with a 90-56 win over Essendon on Thursday night. Their campaign ended with a 9-14 record, missing out on September action for the first time since 2022.

Given that they’ll end up at least five wins and percentage off eighth this season, they’ll need to significantly improve if they want to return to finals next season.

Having backed in coach Michael Voss to coach the side into 2026 at least, Cornes and King discussed on SEN Breakfast what Carlton can do to bridge that gap back to contention from a list perspective this off-season.

Cornes: “How far are they off it? Are they a genuine finals contender if they get a few things right with their list management in the off-season?”

King: “I'm a believer in Vossy. I think that he coaches a certain way because he's been hamstrung a little bit by the lack of ball users.

“They have to play the extra handball game, and we've talked a lot about that over the last couple of years, and I have people sending me messages saying, ‘Are they still one handball away from success?’.

“They don't have a half back that can really slice and dice by foot. So, until they get something like that at half back, and then maybe something like that on a wing or at half forward, then they'll just be this.”

Cornes: “Where does that something come from? It’s not just one area of the list that needs development.

“You can go to the draft, and you can get it that way, and you can use the compensation for De Koning and do it that way, but that's not going to help Michael Voss next year.

“So, do they give something significant to go and get that?

“Vossy was adamant about McKay and Curnow pre-game, that they're better with them both.

“You can't imagine that he wants to trade Sam Walsh. I'm not sure what else they have of currency on their list.

“Is there a risk they're going to overestimate where they're at and be in a similar position this time next year?”

King: “I know Nic Newman is a massive inclusion for them next year, but they need some youngsters that can do that.

“Nic's not young anymore. While he might be able to do that for another two or so years, they're going to need the next level to take over in that role.

“I think it's an easy function to fix. I really do. Skilful halfbacks are one of the easiest commodities to find. If you really want one, you'll get a deal done to get one.

“They've got to give Michael Voss the chance. I guess that's what I'm saying.

“He's shown that he can get them to a Prelim final. He's shown that he can deliver on his end of the bargain.

“They've got to give him more tools.”

Listen to the discussion and more here.