Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

The George Hewett dropped headlines are dominating the AFL landscape as Carlton coach Michael Voss looks to halt a disastrous start to the 2026 season. In a bold selection move, the Blues have omitted the consistent midfielder for Thursday night’s pivotal Gather Round opener against the Adelaide Crows. The decision serves as a significant circuit breaker for a club currently reeling from four consecutive weeks of second half collapses. Carlton currently languishes in 15th position on the ladder with a disappointing 1-3 record, leaving the coaching staff desperate for a change in momentum.

The frustration at Ikon Park reached a breaking point following Round 4, where the Carlton Blues squandered a 22 point three-quarter time lead against North Melbourne. This collapse came just seven days after the team coughed up a massive 43 point advantage against Melbourne. While George Hewett has historically been a reliable presence in the engine room, his inability to curb the influence of opposition playmakers during these late game fadeouts has ultimately cost him his spot in the senior side. Michael Voss has instead called upon the likes of Nick Haynes, Zac Williams, and Hudson O’Keeffe to provide a fresh spark at Adelaide Oval.

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Patrick Cripps Under the Spotlight

While the George Hewett dropped news caught many by surprise, some analysts believe the accountability should extend even further up the leadership chain. Port Adelaide champion and Seven analyst Kane Cornes has suggested that Carlton captain Patrick Cripps is fortunate to have avoided a similar fate. Despite his status as a two-time Brownlow Medalist, the skipper’s impact has waned during the early stages of this campaign. Patrick Cripps is currently averaging 23.3 disposals and 243.3 metres gained per game, figures that represent a notable decline from his career peaks.

Kane Cornes was blunt in his assessment of the situation during a recent broadcast of The Agenda Setters. “Cripps is lucky,” Cornes declared on Wednesday night. “If he wasn’t the captain of this side, I think his position would be at risk as well. His numbers aren’t a disaster but the impact isn’t there, and it’s the way the opposition can exploit him. Whilst Hewett gets chopped now, I think Cripps is on watch.” The pressure is now squarely on the captain to lead from the front and prove he can still be the destructive force that once carried the club.

Tactical Shifts and Injury Concerns

The decision to move on from George Hewett coincides with several forced changes that have further complicated the Carlton Blues' defensive setup. Star defender Jacob Weitering will miss the clash against the Adelaide Crows due to concussion protocols, while Will Hayward is also unavailable through suspension. These absences have forced Michael Voss to shuffle his magnets, bringing in veteran composure through Nick Haynes to stabilize a backline that has looked shaky under late match pressure. The coaching staff is banking on these adjustments to prevent another fourth quarter disaster.

The midfield battle at Adelaide Oval will likely decide the outcome, with both clubs entering the match with identical 1-3 records. For more official team lists and live match statistics, fans can visit the Official AFL Website. The result of this contest will go a long way in determining whether Carlton can salvage their season or if the "Sack Voss" sentiment will continue to grow among a restless fanbase. All eyes will be on how the reshaped Carlton Blues midfield responds without the presence of their former best and fairest winner.