Daniel Pratt Backs Hayden Skipworth for Carlton Job After Voss Exit

daniel pratt Craig McRae has backed Hayden Skipworth to take over as Carlton coach after Michael Voss stood down this week. The Collingwood coach said Skipworth is ready for the role, putting his assistant’s name firmly into a vacancy Carlton has moved to fill through a formal process.

Skipworth’s Carlton case

McRae did not hedge on Wednesday. "His strategy is really good, his people management is really good" he said of Skipworth, before adding, "The way he owns a room... he's really well organised." He also said, "He's always bettering himself; travels to better himself."

That endorsement matters because Carlton is not limiting itself to one type of candidate. Graham Wright wants a formal process to find the Blues’ next coach, and the list already includes experienced names such as Adam Simpson, John Longmire and Paul Roos, with Ken Hinkley and Nathan Buckley also possible contenders.

McRae and Voss

Skipworth has built a case over several seasons at Collingwood. He has been McRae’s top assistant over the last few years, often took charge during pre-season games and was part of the staff that helped the Magpies win the AFL premiership in 2023. He also coached in the VFL before emerging as a senior coaching candidate.

His resume has already put him in senior-job conversations elsewhere. In 2024, he was in the running for the West Coast job before Andrew McQualter was appointed, and last year he interviewed for the Melbourne job after Simon Goodwin’s departure. McRae summed up his view simply: "Basically what I see, 'Skip' would be ready."

Carlton’s shortlist

The Carlton vacancy opened after Voss stepped down after four years in charge. McRae said the exit was difficult, adding, "It's challenging," and noted he had texted Voss after the decision. He also said, "I was as happy as you can be that he walks away with his dignity," while describing him as "such a respectful guy, and he's a legend of our game."

The search now sits between two broad paths: assistants like Skipworth or more established senior coaches. Carlton has not yet chosen between them, but McRae’s public support has given Skipworth a clear push into a job that could shape the club’s next phase.