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Important SN update for SouthlandWhy McRae couldn’t revel in Blues demolition
SEN • July 5th, 2025 11:07 am
For all the glory that comes with demolishing Carlton by 56-points, Collingwood coach Craig McRae couldn’t bring himself to revel in it too much.
The 17.13 (115) to 8.11 (59) result extended the Pies’ lead at the top of the ladder but also poured fresh salt on an already significant wound when it comes to Michael Voss and his future with the Blues.
McRae and Voss are good friends and former teammates having won three consecutive flags together at the Lions.
And while delighted to see his side victorious against the old enemy at the MCG, McRae’s mind was firmly on his embattled friend.
"For all our excitement there's a level of, 'I hope my mate's OK'," McRae said afterwards.
"As much as we want to beat our arch-rival, that's done now and I just go into love and care and support for a guy that I've got enormous love and support for.
"So I hope he's going OK. It's a tough industry, we know.
"We sit in this chair - it's a hot seat - and when things don't work out, we know what the job sometimes puts across your desk.
"I'm not sure whether I can do anything, other than just be there for him so he can maybe have someone to chat to through this period.”
Earlier this season, McRae revealed he had been texting his great friend before their sides met for the first time.
Back then Carlton was 0-3 and Voss was already under pressure. Fast forward three months and the Blues are 6-10, 11th on the ladder and on a slippery slope.
Since 2019 Carlton have had three different coaches and while the noise around Voss is getting louder, club president Rob Priestley this week announced Voss was safe – until season end at least.
With new CEO Graham Wright starting next month, questions about leadership, list management and performance will continue.
But for Voss, the focus remains clear.
"The only thing that I'm really worried about right now is ensuring that we continue to support our people, and that's what we're going to continue to do," Voss said after the MCG defeat.
"This goes well beyond our support teams and our players - this goes to families, as well, and how we're supporting them.
"So all those sorts of things about pressure and messaging, they are the least of my concerns right now.
"The fight's on and the season's live, so this is the most important part.
"Seeing out the season strongly is exactly what we are going to do.
"There will obviously be some opportunities, as we presented tonight, with some younger players, but there's also trying to get the cohesion with the group to be able to play some time together.
"So we might have some breakdowns - we might - but we're pretty determined to give that exposure where needed.
"But there's also a level of expectation around our performance that we need as well."
