Leigh Matthews endorses Carlton's likely next coaching appointment

Coaching great Leigh Matthews has backed Carlton’s imminent appointment of Michael Voss as the club's next season coach, saying he was confident he was poised to succeed in the role.

Voss is widely time to be named the Carlton's next coach, after Alastair Clarkson publicly declared on AFL 360 that he would stick to his word and take a year off football in 2022.

Voss, who is currently an assistant at Port Adelaide, was head coach at Brisbane between 2009 and 2013, winning 43 from 109 matches.

Matthews, who used to coach Voss as a player at Brisbane, said it was “no surprise” to see him the hot favourite to succeed David Teague in the role.

“He’s had the apprenticeship,” he said of Voss on Sportsday.

“We talk about (new Collingwood coach), Craig McRae who’s had the 15-year apprenticeship post-playing and Michael Voss has had about 12 years. I’m a great believer that whatever you do, you’re going to be better because of experience.

“I think Michael (Voss) will be a much better senior coach, it’s not a surprise that he’s popped up as the best of the available options.

“Michael coached and got the Lions into the finals one year and then didn’t have that ultimate success, there isn’t a problem of him wanting to chuck himself back into the lifestyle (of being a senior coach).

“The experience of having actually coached…it should be more valuable than someone who hasn’t done it.”

Voss’ official appointment is expected to come within days, following Brian Cook being announced as the club’s new CEO last week.