In today’s AFL Briefing, your wrap of footy news:
- Carlton coach Michael Voss says an internal investigation into a manager at the club is not impacting on his team.
- Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has gone in to bat for Simon Goodwin and distanced himself from the under-fire Melbourne mentor’s job.
Club investigation is not impacting Blues players, says Voss
Angus Delaney
Carlton coach Michael Voss says an internal investigation into a manager at the club is not impacting on his team, which will head into the Good Friday clash against North Melbourne with just one win for the season.
Blues coach Michael Voss.Credit: AFL Photos
As reported by this masthead on Wednesday night, a manager at the club is being investigated internally after a number of complaints from other staff members. A club whistleblower raised concerns with both Carlton and the AFL and the league had immediately referred it to its integrity unit.
“That’s been dealt with, and the club’s taking care of it,” Voss said on Thursday when asked about the investigation.
“I don’t have a hell of a lot of visibility on that. What I do know is that the club’s obviously managing it, and it’s been managed at club level.”
It is a second controversy for the club in recent months, since the departure of president Luke Sayers following the publication of a lewd image on social media. Sayers denied posting the image and an AFL investigation found he had not posted it.
Voss said there had been no impact on the team’s culture.
“From my point of view, it’s really comfortable with where our playing group’s at, you know, really comfortable with where our environment is,” he said.
Carlton have had an underwhelming start to the season and are coming off their first win against last-place West Coast to move to a 1-4 record.
On Friday, the team will look to best North Melbourne – also 1-4 – in the traditional Good Friday showdown and begin to turn their season around.
Injuries to tall forwards Harry McKay (concussion) and Brodie Kemp (ruptured Achilles) means ruck Tom De Koning will likely spend time playing forward alongside Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow.
De Koning’s future has been under a microscope amid growing speculation he could leave the club to play for St Kilda, who have reportedly offered him a contract of $1.7 million a year.
Beveridge rules out coaching move to Melbourne
AAP
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has gone in to bat for Simon Goodwin and distanced himself from the under-fire Melbourne mentor’s job.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has backed in Simon Goodwin at Melbourne.Credit: via Getty Images
Beveridge, who is out of contract this year, is no certainty to continue at the Bulldogs beyond this season and has been linked with a switch to Melbourne.
But the 54-year-old is adamant that move is not going to eventuate.
“I don’t know where it’s come from, but ultimately our players and people that I work with understand and know that I’m totally invested here,” Beveridge said on Thursday.
“We went into the year just feeling our way through and understanding that we’ve got to find what’s right for everyone.
“On a personal note, you don’t stay where you’re not welcome. From a club perspective, they’ve got more to consider than just my personal interests.
“And ultimately if I’m not coaching here next year, I won’t be coaching anywhere else.”
Beveridge added he has not spoken to anyone at Melbourne who is involved in decision-making around their coaching situation.
The 2016 premiership mentor is the Bulldogs’ longest-serving coach, with 235 games over 11 seasons.
“The agreement between myself and the club to enter the season just feeling our way through what’s going to be right for the club and me, that prevails,” Beveridge said.
“We haven’t had any formal talks about a new contract or anything like that. That’s something that hasn’t been discussed at this stage.”
Goodwin, the 2021 premiership coach, has come under an intense spotlight as a result of the Demons’ horror 0-5 start to 2025.
The Dees’ scoring woes have been a major contributor to the string of losses, with only last-placed West Coast averaging lower tallies this season.
Another defeat to Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday could be catastrophic for Goodwin, but Beveridge said his counterpart simply needs time.
“Simon has achieved a lot at the Demons and they’ll evolve and come again,” Beveridge said.
“They’re going through a period of change, but he’s an outstanding coach and he’s an outstanding person.
“They’ve got some kids coming through and they’ve been stiff with an injury or two.
“They’ll find a way through their scoring as they evolve, but I’ve got no doubt they just need a bit of patience.
“Teams and clubs go through these periods where they need to be strong and they need to back their people in.
“And why wouldn’t you back Simon Goodwin in? He’s got a terrific track record and I believe that they’ll come good.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
