Carlton coach Michael Voss has given a brutal assessment of the once mighty AFL club and expressed his relief he managed to keep his job after a horror season.
Following consecutive finals appearances in 2023 and 2024, the Blues had high expectations entering this past season.
But it all went horribly wrong, with Carlton limping to an 11th placed finish and a 9-14 record that put Voss under extreme pressure to retain his role.
Carlton held its awards night on Sunday and the Brisbane Lions legend didn't mince words in a blunt speech to the club.
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"As a leader, I fell short on what was required'," Voss said. "That has been a difficult reflection.
"I let you down and that sits really uncomfortably with me.
"I am deeply grateful for the chance to keep leading this incredible place.
"But no expectation in this room will ever exceed the responsibility I feel for our club, our people and our families."
The Blues are one of the proudest and most accomplished in league history.
But their last premiership came way back in 1995 and Voss dropped some home truths about the club's current standing.
"I could tell you what you'd like to hear tonight, but tonight is (about) what we all need to hear," Voss continued.
"Right now, we are not a very resilient football club. This club is powerful if we choose it to be, but the fight must be out there, not in here."
The Blues have already lost Tom De Koning and club royalty Jack Silvagni to St Kilda in a rough start to the trade period.
Charlie Curnow appears intent on following them out the door, although the club continues to maintain the key forward will be in Carlton colours in 2026.
George Hewett won his first John Nicholls medal as Carlton best and fairest, ahead of Jacob Weitering and Adam Cerra.
“Tonight’s achievement is also a true testament not only to his on-field ability, but also the outstanding work he does off the field," Voss said of Hewett.
"George is relentless on the training track with remarkable dedication to his football craft as well as his leadership not only in the midfield but team wide."
That's exactly the sort of attitude the Blues need across the board if they are to climb the ladder in 2026 and beyond.