The Carlton Blues have made two more appointments to senior coach Michael Voss’ coaching panel for 2026 and confirmed its final iteration ahead of next season.
Former North Melbourne assistant coach Leigh Adams joins the Baggers as the midfield assistant coach, while Damian Truslove becomes the VFL senior coach and the club’s development coach following a two-year stint in the same position at the Sydney Swans.
Adams, who played 104 games for North Melbourne between 2007 and 2015, had been in the Kangaroos’ coaching ranks for six years, which included being appointed the interim senior coach in 2022.
Adams’ appointment sees Carlton add an extra assistant coach to Voss’ support than in 2025, joining midfield stoppage and structure assistant coach Tim Clarke with dealings in the middle of the field.
Assistant Ash Hansen will take the keys for the defence, with recently signed assistant coach Josh Fraser to instruct the forward group in 2026.
Carlton stated in a press release that the “new structure heralds the first change to Carlton’s AFL coaching group since the end of 2023”
Incoming General Manager of Football, Chris Davies, highlighted the plethora of experience of all three appointments in Adams, Fraser and Truslove.
“The additions of Josh, Leigh and Damian bring valuable experience and fresh energy to our AFL program,” Davies said on Friday.
“Their combined knowledge, strong focus on connection with players, and new ideas will only strengthen our coaching group as we continue to build on what will be a new-look football program heading into 2026.
“They are also all quality people who we know will help drive our standards and development going forward.
“In addition to this, the new opportunities and responsibilities that have been provided to our existing coaching group is also an area we are really looking forward to seeing the benefits of.
“The creation of an additional line coach will provide a significant benefit, not just in the coaches’ box but throughout the week with the playing group.
“Together, they bring over 40 years of combined AFL industry experience, spanning both playing and coaching, with each of them offering unique insight, leadership, and expertise that will complement and elevate our current coaching group.”
Current Carlton 2026 coaching group:
AFL Senior Coach: Michael Voss
Assistant coach (defence): Ash Hansen
Assistant coach (forwards): Josh Fraser
Assistant coach (midfield stoppage and structure): Tim Clarke
Assistant coach (midfield): Leigh Adams
Ruck coach: Matthew Kreuzer
Head of Development: Jordan Russell
VFL Senior Coach and development: Damian Truslove
Development coach: Torin Baker
