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Michael Voss backed his midfield rotation call as Carlton’s loss and a contentious incident involving Patrick Cripps drew attention.
Carlton coach Michael Voss has defended his decision to rest captain Patrick Cripps early in the second quarter of the Blues' 17.12 (114) to 12.14 (86) loss to Adelaide, as scrutiny also builds over a first-half incident involving James Peatling.
Cripps was influential in the opening term but began the second quarter on the bench, a period in which Adelaide seized control with five goals in eight minutes. The burst proved decisive, shifting momentum in a game Carlton struggled to recover.
Voss rejected criticism of the move, explaining the club's broader midfield strategy focused on managing workloads rather than relying heavily on one player.
He indicated the approach was designed to spread responsibility across the group and maintain balance over four quarters.
He added that while Cripps had started strongly and performed well overall, the team needed to function effectively without over-dependence on its captain.
The rotation also allowed more players to spend time in the midfield, a tactic Voss suggested would continue.
Attention also turned to an incident between Cripps and Adelaide's James Peatling, which resulted in a Carlton free kick. Replays showed contact between the pair, with debate centred on whether Peatling used a closed fist or forearm in the collision.
Under current AFL guidelines, a deliberate gut punch can attract an automatic one-match suspension, placing the incident under potential review by the match review officer.
However, footage appeared to indicate contact may have been made with the forearm, and Cripps was seen holding his wrist rather than his midsection.
The outcome now rests on the AFL's assessment, with consistency in applying striking rules likely to be a key consideration.
For Carlton, the immediate concern remains their inability to halt Adelaide's second-quarter surge, a lapse that ultimately shaped the result despite a competitive start.
