Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMVoss and McRae put friendship on hold ahead of blockbuster
Harry Cumming • April 14th, 2026 9:08 pm
It’s one of the oldest and biggest rivalries in footy when Carlton and Collingwood go into battle, with the consequences for the winner and loser a major talking point the following week.
Carlton coach Michael Voss and Collingwood coach Craig McRae have spoken ahead of the Thursday night clash at the MCG.
The former premiership teammates at the Brisbane Lions face each other on opposite sides of the line and have to set their friendship aside as both teams come into the contest needing a win.
For Voss in particular, a win against the Pies would provide some relief for the 1-4 Blues, but he’s wary of Collingwood’s ability to shut down its opposition and grind out a win.
“Sometimes, as a team, what you have to acknowledge is when they're good at something, you have to be able to get in the fight for longer, and if we need to get in that grind and live there for a little while, then we'll do that,” Voss said ahead of the Thursday night clash.
“They've also got a bit of speed that they can put on the ball at different times, so we can't certainly underestimate that, but there's a system in behind the way they play.
“I think ‘Fly’ (McRae) talks about that quite a fair bit, so we're going to have to work our way through that, but you know we feel like we've got the cattle to be able to do it.”
When asked about the rivalry between the two teams, Voss is keen to embrace it to motivate his side.
“It's one of those games that gets spoken about a lot. I'm sure the players have spoken about it a lot already,” Voss said.
“It's a rivalry game.
“It's always been tight clashes, and when you talk about some of those games...(many) have been decided by almost the last kick.
“So, it shows you what we build up for, and we step into the rivalry.”
The importance of the clash, no matter the circumstances, is evident by the vast number of past players who Voss said have sent a few messages.
“It's the one week I get a lot of text messages from past players, and they just remind me about the value of this game and where they have Collingwood in the pecking order,” Voss said.
“So, we are well and truly reminded about our responsibility, and we’ve absolutely got to bring our A game.”
When asked about the banter between himself and McRae, Voss said he’d be keeping it professional.
“No bantering at this point in time, but what I can tell you, as both of us are competitors, is that the friendship well and truly stops,” Voss said.
“When you get to this week, and we shake each other's hand and smile at each other, but I can guarantee you we're trying to get the result for our respective clubs.”
McRae also fronted the media ahead of the Thursday night fixture and remains cautious about underestimating a Carlton side that has had a difficult start to the season.
“They've led nearly every game, haven't they? You know, at least four of the five games up in front at some stage. So, they're doing a lot right. So, we're going to have to be able to just stay present and be the best version of us for 120 minutes,” McRae said.
With the pressure on Voss ramping up at Carlton, McRae was empathetic for his premiership teammate.
“I have a lot of care for him clearly, and we actually organised the catch-up for a walk in Adelaide, and then we both realised we were playing each other, so we put that on hold for a week or so,” McRae said.
“It's really difficult, because you're in a position that not many get to be in.
“Yeah, you want to try to support at times, and you go, ‘How much can I support him? How much am I stepping out of the line if I see things that might support him?’
“All I know is that Michael Voss is Michael Voss, and there's only ever been one of them, and he's a superstar of a guy, and a strong man, and a great leader.”
For both coaches, but particularly Voss, a win would be warmly welcomed to put behind a slow start to the season and ease the pressure.
There’s plenty on the line this Thursday night at the MCG with the Blues hosting the Pies from 7:30pm AEST.
