Carlton coach Michael Voss emphasizes the need for top-notch defensive performance as his team prepares to face the undefeated Greater Western Sydney Giants. The Blues are gearing up for a challenging month of football, starting with a clash against Adam Kingsley’s formidable squad at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.
The focus will be on defensive resilience against the Giants, who boast a potent attacking lineup featuring Jesse Hogan (18 goals), Toby Greene (nine), and Callum Brown (10), leading the league in percentage.
Following their encounter with the Giants, Carlton faces tough offensive opponents in Geelong, Collingwood, Melbourne, and Sydney in the subsequent four rounds.
The Carlton Blues’ backline aims to bounce back after a late-game collapse against Adelaide in round five, where the Crows sealed victory with three consecutive goals. This loss denied the Blues their chance at a 5-0 start for the first time since 1995.
Coach Michael Voss stressed the importance of defensive solidity ahead of their clash with Greater Western Sydney (GWS) on Friday. He emphasized that GWS poses a dual threat, excelling both in transition play and scoring from stoppages.
Unfortunately for Carlton, they will be without key players like Adam Saad, Mitch McGovern, Adam Cerra, and Jesse Motlop, all sidelined due to hamstring injuries. Voss has called up defenders Lachie Cowan and Lewis Young, impressed by their recent performances in the VFL, to fill the void.
Despite GWS missing All-Australian defender Sam Taylor due to concussion, Voss downplayed any advantage, noting that GWS had previously triumphed without Taylor. In Taylor’s absence, young defender Leek Aleer steps in, marking his return to AFL action after more than 600 days.
On the other hand, GWS sees the return of Callan Ward from a shoulder injury, replacing Stephen Coniglio, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
