Carlton is looking to avoid a shock third-straight defeat when it faces North Melbourne on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues (11-6, 114.1%) are now locked in a battle for second spot after back to back losses to GWS and the Western Bulldogs.
As a result, Voss has swung the axe, making five changes made for the clash — Sam Durdin, Jesse Motlop, Jack Carroll, George Hewett and David Cuningham all return for Carlton.
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Meantime, North Melbourne (2-15, 64.3%) is looking to put in a better performance than last week’s 79-point belting at the hands of Sydney.
The game gets underway at 4:40pm from Marvel Stadium.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504), streaming on Kayo or via Hubbl from 4pm.
LIVE MATCH UPDATES
The sides took their time feeling each other out, with no score in the game’s first five minutes.
Harry Sheezel snagged the first goal at Docklands, terrifically roving a marking contest and finishing with a crafty banana.
Lachie Fogarty responded, however, discarding would-be tackler Luke Davies-Uniacke to go on and tie the scores.
The pressure is coming from both sides, with Fox Footy caller Dwayne Russell noting: “It’s like a final at the moment.”
The Blues started to gain the ascendancy in the game, but the Kangaroos have been able to absorb their early pressure — with Nick Larkey saluting for North’s third major of the opening term.
Tom De Koning was assessed for a foot concern towards the end of the quarter, with the Blues taking a one-goal lead into the first change.
De Koning re-emerged and returned to the field of play in the second quarter, and they need him, because North Melbourne kicked the quarter’s first two goals to push in front before Lachie Fogarty answered with another major.
Robert Hansen Jnr booted his maiden AFL goal and the Blues have a few problems! Roos by 12 points.
Dylan Stephens has been handy in possession, notching a game-high 321 metres gained to this point.
Paul Curtis kicked North Melbourne’s third consecutive goal with a neat set shot, opening up an 18-point lead.
“The Blues have the majority of fans here, and they’re getting a little nervous,” Russell told the Fox Footy broadcast.
Jesse Motlop snapped a desperately-needed goal to bring the Blues back to within 12 points with seven minutes remaining in the first half. Motlop added another shortly after, drawing a free kick before snapping again to make it a six-point game.
Harry Sheezel already has 17 disposals and five score involvements — it might be time for some hard attention from the Blues.
A Charlie Comben goal on the half-time siren gave North Melbourne an 11-point lead to take into the main change.
Brynn Teakle saluted from a set shot to open the second-half scoring. Roos by 17 points.
Motlop and Owies responded for the Blues, dragging the margin back to five points. Later, Charlie Curnow marked splendidly and snapped his third goal to open up an eight-point lead.
“The Curnow factor has kicked in big-time at Marvel,” Russell said on Fox Footy.
Owies kicked his third goal of the day and the Blues have five on the trot as things quickly unravel for the Roos.
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Source Agencies
