AFL 2025: Michael Voss wants father-son rule to stay
Voss also declared the father-son rule should be protected at all costs after one club CEO called for it to be scrapped, after landing the signature of former gun Andrew Walker's son, Cody in a positive sign for the Blues after a season full of battles.
De Koning's future has been a topic of each of Voss's weekly press conferences this season which has progressed without a signature from the 25-year-old amid mounting speculation he'll accept a monster $12m offer from the Saints.
Tom De Koning's pending future has no link to his form, according to Michael Voss. (Photo by)
Unlike their NRL rivals, player movement is restricted until after the season with clubs and players reticent to make moves, however likely, public.
Voss said clubs could probably handle mid-season decisions, but the media and wider football community might not.
'I think with anything we'd make a fuss about it, wouldn't we? I've learned enough around who's leaving, who's going and the points of topic,' he joked on Friday.
'I think as an industry it is probably more something we need to ask the question of how you (the media) would handle it more so than how we would handle it.
'The most important thing is that what the player wants is just to continue to get on with it. The topic of conversation is more for everyone else, but it's not for us.
'In time, we'll obviously get what that decision is. We're quite happy with where it is at this point in time, so when we're ready we'll obviously deal with it.'
Voss denied a change in role and subsequent dip in form for De Koning, from ruck to forward, was connected to his contract call and only what was best for the Blues.
'We need a role to play and he's really determined to get that done, so the discussion around it is for other people to talk about,' he said.
Cody Walker (left) with future teammate Charlie Curnow. Picture:Carlton received a late-season boost on Friday morning with a commitment from Cody Walker, projected as a potential top-10 draft pick in the 2026 draft and who is also in the Richmond academy, giving the Blues access to him under the father-son rule.
The Blues already have Ben and Lucas Camporeale, son of former star Scott, as well as Jack Silvagni, the son of club legend Stephen, on their list.
It comes after Fremantle CEO, Simon Garlick, suggested the rule no longer had a place in the game and should be scrapped.
Voss didn't support that idea at all.
'The father-son rule should stay with how it currently sits,' Voss said.
'There's some things that we need to continue around the history of the game and the traditions of the game, and this is one of them.
'I'd understand if there's probably a further conversation around what academies look like in general.
'But when it comes to the father and sons, that's been a tradition that's stood the test of time, and should continue to do so.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
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Thursday night was also costly for the Roosters' finals chances, after playing the majority of the game without halfback Sandon Smith following a first-half head clash. Trent Robinson's men will finish the round in 10th, but could be as many as four points outside the top eight with a crucial clash against Manly next week. In a frantic match of attacking highs, the lead changed hands five times. Sam Walker kicked for four of the Roosters' tries and helped lay on another when Tedesco batted on a pass from the halfback. Daniel Tupou scored for two of those four-pointers, including one from a pinpoint perfect Walker cross-field kick where he outleapt opposite winger Kane Bradley. But ultimately it was an error from Tupou that cruelled the Tricolours, with the winger bombing a try over the line with them up 30-28. Walker also had a costly grubberkick go dead when the Roosters lead 24-22. After both Walker and Tupou's errors, the Storm went downfield and scored shortly after. "We had our opportunities, it came down to moments," Robinson said. "It's tough when you lose a half and your system relies on two halves, which is natural. "We adapted well in yardage and midfield, and we didn't adapt that well in good ball." Grant, meanwhile, nailed the key moments. He scored once himself when he went over in the first half, splitting Smith and Salesi Foketi as the two clashed heads. Then with Hughes off the field at 24-16 down, the No.9 provided the two biggest plays of the second half, first putting King through a hole to score his second. And with the game on the line and Melbourne down 30-28, Grant made use of a quick play-the-ball, scurried centrefield and sent Stefano Utoikamanu over. The NRL premiership race has been blown wide open, after Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder in their 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters. Premiership favourites headed into the round, Melbourne are now facing the prospect of losing the reigning Dally M Medallist for their title charge. With Hughes off the field and Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen both missing, Harry Grant stood up for the Storm as they won one of the games of the season on Thursday night. The hooker scored once and then set up two second-half tries, taking charge of Melbourne's attack at Allianz Stadium. But it also appears likely to be extremely costly, with Hughes leaving the field early in the second half after attempting a tackle on James Tedesco with an outstretched arm and hitting the ground hard after. Melbourne medical staff then struggled to put the joint back in, prompting the 30-year-old to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. "He'll probably have to go under to get it back in," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said. "I don't think it's overly good news. "I think the longer they're out, it's a bigger problem ... it stretches the ligaments and muscles around the joint." Melbourne have Tyran Wishart as one option at No.7 after he filled in for Munster at five-eighth on Thursday night, with Jonah Pezet the alternative. The Storm entered Thursday in third place with two wins over fifth-placed Brisbane, but have a brutal run home in their bid to finish in the top four. After Parramatta next week, the Storm have Brisbane, Penrith, Canterbury and then the Roosters and Broncos again in the run to the finals. "Obviously no one wants to lose their halfback. He is a massive part of our footy team without a doubt," Bellamy said. "It'll take a bit. We probably won't recover completely, he was the Dally M player last year. However long he is out for, we're going to miss him." Thursday night was also costly for the Roosters' finals chances, after playing the majority of the game without halfback Sandon Smith following a first-half head clash. Trent Robinson's men will finish the round in 10th, but could be as many as four points outside the top eight with a crucial clash against Manly next week. In a frantic match of attacking highs, the lead changed hands five times. Sam Walker kicked for four of the Roosters' tries and helped lay on another when Tedesco batted on a pass from the halfback. Daniel Tupou scored for two of those four-pointers, including one from a pinpoint perfect Walker cross-field kick where he outleapt opposite winger Kane Bradley. But ultimately it was an error from Tupou that cruelled the Tricolours, with the winger bombing a try over the line with them up 30-28. Walker also had a costly grubberkick go dead when the Roosters lead 24-22. After both Walker and Tupou's errors, the Storm went downfield and scored shortly after. "We had our opportunities, it came down to moments," Robinson said. "It's tough when you lose a half and your system relies on two halves, which is natural. "We adapted well in yardage and midfield, and we didn't adapt that well in good ball." Grant, meanwhile, nailed the key moments. He scored once himself when he went over in the first half, splitting Smith and Salesi Foketi as the two clashed heads. Then with Hughes off the field at 24-16 down, the No.9 provided the two biggest plays of the second half, first putting King through a hole to score his second. And with the game on the line and Melbourne down 30-28, Grant made use of a quick play-the-ball, scurried centrefield and sent Stefano Utoikamanu over. The NRL premiership race has been blown wide open, after Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder in their 34-30 win over the Sydney Roosters. Premiership favourites headed into the round, Melbourne are now facing the prospect of losing the reigning Dally M Medallist for their title charge. With Hughes off the field and Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen both missing, Harry Grant stood up for the Storm as they won one of the games of the season on Thursday night. The hooker scored once and then set up two second-half tries, taking charge of Melbourne's attack at Allianz Stadium. But it also appears likely to be extremely costly, with Hughes leaving the field early in the second half after attempting a tackle on James Tedesco with an outstretched arm and hitting the ground hard after. Melbourne medical staff then struggled to put the joint back in, prompting the 30-year-old to be taken to hospital in an ambulance. "He'll probably have to go under to get it back in," Storm coach Craig Bellamy said. "I don't think it's overly good news. "I think the longer they're out, it's a bigger problem ... it stretches the ligaments and muscles around the joint." 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"We adapted well in yardage and midfield, and we didn't adapt that well in good ball." Grant, meanwhile, nailed the key moments. He scored once himself when he went over in the first half, splitting Smith and Salesi Foketi as the two clashed heads. Then with Hughes off the field at 24-16 down, the No.9 provided the two biggest plays of the second half, first putting King through a hole to score his second. And with the game on the line and Melbourne down 30-28, Grant made use of a quick play-the-ball, scurried centrefield and sent Stefano Utoikamanu over.
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Blues star Curnow responds to AFL trade rumours
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
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Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish
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An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury. Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury. Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury.
