Eagles sent a statement with a shock axing. It could spark Blues crisis or end in 39-year disaster

Heading into 2025, no pundit could have picked Carlton’s Gather Round clash with West Coast as a major hurdle that coach Michael Voss would need to navigate. On paper, it’s supposed to be an ‘unlosable’ fixture.

But four matches into the season, that’s the new reality for the fourth-year Blues coach, who is at the helm of a club amid their worst start to an AFL season this decade.

Staring down an even bigger statistical barrel though are the Eagles, who in their 39-year history have never started 0-5; despite their particularly horror seasons in 2008, 2010 and 2023.

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The Blues and Eagles had completely different expectations placed on them for 2025. For Carlton, it was about making a genuine premiership, tilt after injuries curtailed their campaign last season. And at West Coast, a rise from the depths of the AFL ladder would be enough to see a pass mark under first-year head coach Andrew McQualter.

Speaking to foxfooty.com.au as Gather Round dawned on Adelaide, Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich detailed how each side will be looking at the Saturday afternoon fixture as pressure reaches boiling point.

Sam Walsh backs Voss as pressure grows | 02:28

“As much as we like to beat up their expectations, I think internally they’ll just be worrying about their systems, process and actually just playing better,” Pavlich said on Thursday afternoon.

“There’s obvious external pressure on Carlton heading into this one; if they drop it and what that outcome will be after that. But I think internally, this is where the leaders need to stand up and handle the week really well, and focus on what really matters. That’s training, recovering and getting what they need out of the weekend.”

Michael Voss has never lost to West Coast in his reign at Carlton, having won each of the four times they’ve been pitted against each other. And given the much higher expectations of his side opposed to McQualter’s this year, it is simply a game the side based out at Ikon Park cannot lose.

To suggest that the three-time premiership Lion could be sacked if they lose feels extreme, but make no mistake, a defeat to West Coast would bring the temperature under Voss’ collar to an unprecedentedly high temperature.

For the Eagles, it’s a little different. It goes without saying that they’re at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon to take home four premiership points, but with a much younger list and coach only four games in, it also doubles as another chance to string together four quarters of football.

The omission of Tim Kelly from the starting 23 this weekend has been a big talking point, but allows their young talent more exposure both on ball and at the top level. And given Carlton’s current vulnerability, this may actually prove the club’s best chance of claiming an early season scalp.

McQualter copying Lyon with Kelly axing? | 01:19

“You can kind of see it in glimpses that new style that Andrew McQualter is trying to implement, but they just haven’t been able to string it together,” Pavlich continued.

“For West Coast, I guess it’s a bit of a free hit in terms of the younger players getting another challenge and crack at it. They’ve made a selection statement with Tim Kelly going out of the team, so I think they’re obviously working through what their best mix is.

“I don’t think he’s been in form. Sometimes we think the names and reputations matter, but in the end I think they’ve made the right call because he hasn’t been in form.”

Their midfield dynamic has been a tricky one to work out so far in 2025. Second-year gun Harley Reid was surprisingly a part of McQualter’s half-back plans against the Giants last Sunday, but the 19-year-old distributed the pill with a commendable amount of composure in the new role.

A return straight into the midfield wouldn’t surprise anyone, but it’s a nice little string to add to the bow of the Eagles as they filter through their “best mix”. However, the make-up of their engine room may not be the club’s biggest concern this weekend.

The inclusion of Harry McKay after three weeks out of the Blues senior side is a welcome one, and has every bit of potential to blow the game wide open from the very first bounce. Eagles debutant Sandy Brock was tasked with mission impossible last week to stop reigning Coleman Medalist Jesse Hogan, who finished with an equal career-high nine goals in their 81-point drubbing. The 22-year-old one-gamer is every chance of manning McKay at Adelaide Oval, but will need far more support from teammates for the Eagles to be in with a chance.

'You're the captain mate!' | 01:37

Conversely, McKay’s partner-in-crime Charlie Curnow hasn’t looked at his athletic best since rejoining the senior side in Round 2, but a Jeremy McGovern-less Eagles defence could be the best way for the duo to get their foot in the door for season 2025.

Voss’ side have frustratingly given up a half time lead in all four of their fixtures this season, with their 25-point buffer over Richmond at the main break in Round 1 the most concerning of them all.

“Carlton on the other hand have been pretty solid, they’ve just had lapses in concentration late in games. Big, big game for both sides, but obviously the Blues have got the extra pressure on,” Pavlich explained to foxfooty.com.au.

“The numbers are off the charts in terms of what they do well in the first half and the second half. Sometimes focusing on these things does the opposite, and it actually compounds the issue. But if you focus on what matters most, that’ll give them their best chance.”

The Eagles have lost their last seven matches at the Adelaide Oval, with every form guide telling you that history can’t see the Western Australian side winning. But if there was ever a time to line up against Carlton, it’s now — and an unthinkable win, could see unthinkable storylines play at Ikon Park in the coming days.

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