'Unacceptable': Voss slams Blues' defensive effort

Carlton coach Michael Voss wasn’t happy despite his side getting close to AFL leaders Geelong.

Michael Voss concedes Carlton got what they deserved for an “unacceptable” defensive performance that led to a 13-point defeat to AFL ladder leaders Geelong.

The Blues let a tight contest slip early in the final quarter and trailed by 33 points before four straight goals in time-on gave them a sniff of victory.

But the Cats steadied in the closing stages, consigning Carlton (5-2) to their second defeat of the season.

It came despite the Blues topping the contested possession and clearance tallies, and dominating a lop-sided inside-50 count (66-45).

Voss laid bare his frustration in the immediate aftermath of the 18.10 (118) to 15.15 (105) loss on Saturday night.

“I don’t want us to settle (on it being) a good effort or it was close. It was unacceptable and we’ve got to be better,” he said.

“Geelong is currently top of the ladder but I’d like to think we benchmark ourselves off our own standards and we fell below those tonight on defending.

“We’ve got to be better and we’ve got to expect better from each other. We’ve conceded 118 points and that’s just too much.”

Midfield duo Patrick Cripps (29 touches, two goals) and Sam Walsh (31 disposals) fought hard for Carlton and Charlie Curnow finished with three goals after a quiet start.

Lead ruckman Marc Pittonet also stood out, continuing his impressive form with 19 disposals, 28 hit-outs and a career-high 11 clearances.

But Voss wasn’t having any of it in his post-match assessment.

“I’m not in the mood to talk up individuals today, to be truthful,” he said.

“It takes a team to come out and play well and get the win, and as a team we didn’t get the job done.

“I’d like to think we all take ownership of that.”

Carlton face another huge challenge against reigning premiers Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night, with small forward Orazio Fantasia set to return after he was a late withdrawal against Geelong through illness.

Adam Cerra (hamstring) and David Cunningham (calf) should be available, and Mitch McGovern (hamstring) is an outside chance.