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Blues bombshell: Voss, forward to miss Dogs blockbuster

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18th March, 2022
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Carlton coach Michael Voss and forward Jack Martin will both be missing from the Blues’ Round 2 clash with the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, after testing positive to COVID-19.

Just hours after the Blues’ stunning triumph over Richmond on Thursday night, Voss and Martin both tested positive to the virus, and will enter a seven-day isolation period.

Assistant coach Ashley Hansen will take the reins in Voss’ stead; in a twist of fate, Hansen was part of the Bulldogs’ coaching staff before heading to Ikon Park at the end of 2021.

Two other members of the Blues’ football department, who have not been named, also tested positive, but Martin is the only player.

It isn’t Voss’ first brush with COVID since taking on the senior role at the Blues: he was forced to miss the first night of last year’s AFL draft after being deemed a close contact to CEO Brian Cook, who tested positive.

“Importantly, Michael, Jack and our staff are feeling well, which is the number one priority here obviously and they will now isolate for the required periods of time,” Blues head of football Brad Lloyd said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“All had tested negative prior to interacting with the football program, however by today all four had returned a positive result.

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“The impact of COVID-19 is still clearly a reality that we remain mindful of, so we will make the necessary adjustments, adapt and remain focused on our goal for the next week – which is preparing for a strong performance next Thursday night.”

The Blues will not need to turn to the AFL’s top-up pool of supplementary players, given only Martin is unavailable.

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