AFL News: Voss slams talk of Blues friction as a work of fiction, Fagan not holding grudges for Hawks reunion

Carlton coach Michael Voss maintains his players are invested in turning around the Blues’ crumbling AFL season despite a report of friction within the group.

The Blues have lost seven of their last eight matches to fast be slipping out of contention to break the club’s 10-year finals drought.

A report on the Nine Network’s Footy Classified on Monday night claimed Voss was coaching for his career and alleged “factions were developing” amongst the players.

But Voss found those claims a “little unusual”.

“I feel that they’re quite spirited, and they’re really clear on what we need to be able to do,” Voss said about his players on Thursday.

“I think they’re just totally invested in making sure that they get that change.

Michael Voss addresses the Blues (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“We’re obviously disappointed that we sort of haven’t been able to live up to our own expectations around we want to be able to play and we just want to get after that.”

Carlton being a traditional powerhouse falling well below expectations set out for them this season has created daily criticism of the club.

The Blues have been booed off by supporters multiple times this season and pressure has extended to board and management level.

Voss said some negative commentary was inevitable following a run of defeats.

“We have to spend the energy in the right areas, and that has to be on our planning and preparation and how we connect as a footy team and keep reinforcing the environment we want to have,” he said.

“That’s what I’ve been really impressed with about the playing group is that despite some results not going exactly the way we want it, despite there being some added commentary around us, despite some things about what they think is happening versus what’s not happening, we’ve been sticking to our task and and the players are getting after that challenge.

“It hasn’t all ticked over, but they’re saying staying true to it and challenging each other on it and reinforcing the things that we’re doing really well.”

Carlton have the two most recent Coleman medallists in their forward line, but their scoring power has been lacklustre, ranking 15th in attack this season.

Their powerful and ominous 8-2 start to the 2022 season was built on the back of aggressive and attacking football.

“They have to coexist (attack and defence),” Voss said.

“The defensive mechanics that you want, and the territory you get on the field is clearly important.

“But the other side of the ball is about your efficiency and being able to finish your play so they have to live together.”

No animosity as Fagan prepares to face Hawks

Chris Fagan hasn’t spoken to Cyril Rioli for four years but maintains he had the “best of friendships” with the Hawthorn star while at the AFL club.

And the Brisbane Lions coach says he harbours no animosity towards the Hawks ahead of Saturday’s clash that follows the closure of the AFL’s investigation into racism during his time there.

Four-time Hawks premiership player Rioli is among six Hawthorn-linked complainants pledging to take their grievances to the Human Rights Commission.

Rioli, his wife Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli, ex-Hawthorn players Carl Peterson, Jermaine Miller-Lewis and his partner Montanah Miller-Lewis, and the club’s former Indigenous manager Leon Egan have publicly identified themselves as part of the racism saga.

At least three other people who have made complaints during the investigation remain anonymous and are represented by other law firms.

Through an independent panel, the AFL concluded there were no adverse findings against former coach Alastair Clarkson, football boss Chris Fagan or welfare manager Jason Burt during their time at Hawthorn.

Fagan and Burt released scathing statements following last week’s announcement, which focused on a period between 2008 and 2016.

Chris Fagan (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Brisbane’s first game since then will be against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.

On Thursday Fagan cut a calm figure though, asserting there was no ill-will towards his old club, or Rioli.

“I actually loved my time at the Hawthorn Football Club,” Fagan said.

“I had 10 great years there, very successful years, lots and lots of friendships.

“I haven’t spoken to Cyril since probably 2019, before the Big Freeze.

“I got Cyril to come … because we had a great friendship and that’s all I can say in regards to Cyril, we had the best of friendships when he was there.

“You’d have to ask him; it’s not strained from my perspective because the only interactions I’ve ever had with him have been positive.”

He said his only frustration was that he wasn’t consulted before the club’s initial investigation into claims of racism.

“That doesn’t seem quite right, not talking to the people involved,” he said.

Fagan insists the AFL’s resolution sits comfortably with him and, while he waits for the complainants’ next move, won’t pursue legal action of his own.

“I still can’t and still won’t, because there might be more to come,” he said of his decision not to publicly tell his version of events.

“We’ll wait and see.

“I’m happy enough to go into any forum and talk about anything, to be honest.”