Simpson’s two immediate questions for Voss and Blues

Adam Simpson has two immediate questions for Carlton.

The Blues surrendered to Melbourne in the second half at the MCG on Sunday, conceding 14 goals and kicking only four to lose by 23 points.

To some it was an unfathomable defeat, having led by 43 points, but to many who know the Blues well it was somewhat inevitable.

As is normally the case with Carlton and coach Michael Voss the fallout will be forensically investigated to within an inch of its life. But it’s highly unlikely that any answers will be found.

Simpson says it’s a very tricky situation to assess, especially given Voss’ Blues play a decent brand of footy for a half before inexplicably retreating.

“It’s a pattern. Trying to be glass half full has probably run its race now, hasn’t it,” Simpson said on SEN’s Whateley.

“What the first halves are bringing is really exciting. It’s positive, it’s quick ball movement, it’s aggressive, it’s all facets of the game, they’re not just this inside (contested ball) team. We see good spread, we see the different gears you need.

“Then for whatever reason we’re seeing the opposite in the second half. So the contrast between the best and the worst is too big. That’s what the leaders and Vossy’s got to work through with the coaches about what is happening and what can we do to fix it quick.

“That’s just reality too. I don’t think anyone is shying away from it.”

West Coast premiership coach Simpson has a part-time consultancy role with Voss at the Blues. So what does he think is happening?

It’s impossible to put his finger on it but he does suspect there is a breakdown when it comes to the execution of roles within the team.

“I don’t know, I’m not there every day,” Simpson continued.

“I suspect whatever’s happening in the first half is not working as well in the second half. It’s as simple as that.

“The conversations around roles - players love hearing ‘just play your role’ and when you’re hit with a bit of adversity then strategy only takes you so far. Role execution is critical.

“I suspect the roles aren’t getting carried out as well as they were in the first half, or teams are bringing something different to the second half.

“(Kozzie) Pickett for example had 14 possessions in the first half but one score involvement and two contested possessions. It looked like there was a bit of a role there. Then in the second half he has 19 possessions, nine score involvements and nine contested possessions. So obviously he elevates his game.”

It brings about Simpson’s two queries.

He added: “What are the role executions that aren’t happening in the second half (for the Blues)? And why?

“They’re the two immediate questions I’d have without knowing the detail.

“It’s a bit of everything. I don’t think we can pinpoint one thing not knowing the detail behind it.”

As for Voss, he is doing the best he can from a public messaging viewpoint.

The under-pressure Blues coach is honest in his press conference assessments and can handle the scrutiny, according to Simpson.

“I don’t hear riddles, I don’t hear excuses, I never hear ‘they’, I always hear ‘we’, I don’t hear any spin,” Simpson said further.

“You get what you get with Vossy and I think that’s based on his past life as a player, as much as how good a leader he is around the club and the culture piece.

“He will stick his head out there and he will probably take too much responsibility. I think he’s a big boy so whatever comes his way comes his way.

“There’s no deflection there. I think we can all agree with that. Whatever happens in the future with him is just reality. I don’t think he’s shying away from it.

“The pressure you’re under as a senior coach when these type of situations confront you is how can you lead through this? I think the last thing he’s thinking about is him. He’s probably thinking about these second halves.

“The problem is they’ve probably already had those conversations a week or two weeks ago. So what’s not working?”

Simpson also wonders whether it’s time for Voss to move away from the bench and back up to the coaches’ box to give himself the best chance of fully assessing what's going wrong.

The pressure will continue to ramp up as the Blues prepare for a must-win clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Good Friday.

Listen to the full chat below: