Michael Voss will go down in history as one of the great players of not only his generation, but of several generations. Indeed, Lions coach Leigh Matthews has said there had not been a better midfielder in the game in the last 30 years. That is the highest praise possible from a man voted as the Player of the Century and one who has coached two of the most significant premiership teams in the same period.
Michael was a 10 year club captain, posting 209 games. Fourth in line after AFL greats Stephen Kernahan, Ted Whitten and triple Brownlow Medallist Dick Reynolds.
The years 2001, 2002 and 2003 have been the icing on the cake of superstar Voss' already stellar career. He is now a triple premiership captain. And roundly acknowledged as the best player in the game at present
In fact, the man himself rated 2003 as his best season in league football – despite carrying a painful knee condition through the second half of the year. He should have at the very least shared the Brownlow Medal, but two 30–possession–plus games in the middle of the season went unrewarded and he finished just three votes from a second medal.
Yet he still snared the greatest prize and that was a premiership medal. Voss went to extremes to play in the grand final after his knee 'went' again in the qualifying final against Collingwood. A pinpoint painkilling injection in the semi–final saw him help win the game against Collingwood, sensational in the first half of the grand final, before retiring to the bench on the stroke of three–quarter–time when his job had been done.
Voss almost single–handedly won several games during the season and the only surprise was that he perhaps did not win the club champion by more than one vote. It was his fifth title in a year in which he was chosen All–Australian for the sixth time, and captain of the all–star team for the second straight year. And he was judged by his peers as the best captain and best player in the land with AFLPA awards. Voss was also voted Herald Sun Footballer of the Year.
A modest, level–headed young man with enormous regard for the history and tradition of football, he is highly respected by his teammates for his work ethic and is the ultimate utility player. Michael Voss is one of the game's more marketable figures and he is highly regarded by all media representatives as an ever–helpful and interesting media 'talent'.
His comprehensive knowledge and experience of how to build a winning team, create sustainable success and develop a leadership mindset provides that crucial edge to corporate retreats, conferences, team building events and staff meetings. For those committed to discovering their full potential as a leader, Michael Voss also provides group and one on one executive leadership coaching. |
