Sam Walsh has revealed that a walk around Princes Park with Michael Voss was all it took to realise his new coach had a serious presence about him.
Voss was appointed as Carlton coach back in September of 2021 to plenty of positive fanfare, and the Blues’ early season performances have certainly justified the appointment.
Carlton has started the season with three wins from their first three games, recording impressive victories over Richmond, the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn.
Curiously, the Blues have won just five of their 12 quarters, yet Voss has got his side playing a brand of football that has them capable of piling on goals in short succession.
Coming into a club that had gone through two previous coaches who both missed out on finals, Voss had his work cut out to win over the players and present a vision for success.
Walsh, the side’s brightest light and among the most valuable players in the game, was clearly taken by Voss, re-signing with Carlton on a four-year deal less than three months after the former Lion took over.
Responding to reports Voss took all his players on a walk around Princes Park when installed as senior coach, Walsh confirmed that was when he understood the reputation surrounding Voss.
“I definitely went for a walk with Vossy (Voss) around the park and I think a lot of the boys did as well,” Walsh told SEN Breakfast.
“I know he’s got pretty crook knees from his playing days, so he might have been screaming after that!
“Nah (footy wasn’t all we talked about), I think Vossy has got a pretty good balance in his life, he’s obviously got a great footy brain but I think me and a lot of the boys initially were just trying to get to know him.
“I think him doing that from day one just started to develop those strong relationships.
“After that walk, (I thought) there’s no wonder why this guy has been touted as one of the best leaders to do it.
“I’ve been able to try and learn a few things off him and when he speaks it’s got real power and weight behind it, he’s been doing a great job along with all the other assistants.”
Carlton is Voss’ second stint as an AFL coach, having previously held the top job with the Brisbane Lions shortly after finishing up his Brownlow Medal-winning playing career.
He was a casualty of the AFL’s health and safety protocols for the club’s Round 2 win over the Dogs, however he returned to the coaches’ box on Sunday against the Hawks.
Listen to the full interview with Sam Walsh below