Former Australian Football League star and current Carlton coach Michael Voss has disclosed the remarkable aftermath of a dramatic citizen's arrest he performed over eighteen months ago. The incident, which saw Voss tackle a teenage suspect fleeing a crashed stolen Mercedes, has evolved into an unexpected mentoring relationship with the 16-year-old involved.
The Dramatic Morning Incident
In August 2024, Michael Voss, then aged 50, was on a routine morning walk to the Barton Milk Bar in Hawthorn to purchase a coffee. His peaceful outing was abruptly interrupted when a grey Mercedes skidded violently onto the pavement and rolled onto its side. Two individuals immediately exited the vehicle and began sprinting away from the scene.
Drawing on his athletic background from 289 top-flight appearances for the Brisbane Lions, Voss instinctively gave chase on foot. He successfully apprehended one of the teenagers, executing a textbook tackle and holding the individual until police arrived. Authorities subsequently arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the alleged theft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the entire ordeal.
An Unexpected Connection Forms
During a recent appearance on the Footy and Friends podcast, Voss reflected candidly on the event, humorously noting he would never repeat such a risky intervention. "Obviously that whole situation unfolded, I would never do that again," he stated. "I'll leave that to our emergency services... they do a great job, so I'll leave that in their capable hands."
However, the story took an extraordinary turn when Voss revealed that the incident had forged an improbable bond. "What it did actually do was hook up an unexpected connection," he explained. The coach was contacted by a mentor assigned to the teenager, who requested a meeting via email. "I thought: 'Yeah, why not?' He's obviously a 16-year-old young man that's trying to find his way and did the wrong thing, and [I thought] I'd really love to hear his version of events."
Voss has since engaged in mentoring sessions with the youth, learning about his background and circumstances. While maintaining the teenager's privacy regarding specific details, Voss expressed hope that their interactions provided motivation. "Hopefully there were some things that gave him a little bit of motivation to follow through on a few things that he's been able to do. I'm hoping that goes in the direction that he wants in his life," Voss shared. "It was an unexpected reach-out, and I don't think they were expecting an answer."
Coaching Philosophy and Career Context
This episode prompted Voss to reflect on his broader role as an AFL coach, emphasizing that his responsibilities extend far beyond tactics and game strategy. "What we do [as AFL coaches], really, at the end of the day, we mentor young men, we mentor young people," he articulated. "And I think what I love the most about coaching is just being able to see people get what they want; that magic moment when you have that realisation and someone finally gets it."
Voss elaborated on the profound satisfaction derived from witnessing personal breakthroughs. "They haven't got it for a while but then they learn a craft. That's what lights me up, to be able to see that. So I feel like that whole club coaching is great, but I look for those little wins in people that just make you feel a little bit special about why you're actually doing what you're doing. Sometimes they come later, sometimes you don't even know you've done it."
Voss's Professional Journey
The 50-year-old's path to coaching began after his retirement from professional football in 2006. Following a brief stint as a commentator for Channel 10, he transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant coach for the West Coast Eagles in 2008. Later that year, he succeeded Leigh Matthews as the senior coach of the Brisbane Lions, remaining with his former club for four seasons.
In 2015, Voss moved to Port Adelaide, serving as an assistant coach under Ken Hinkley for seven years. His coaching career culminated in a return to a senior leadership position when he was appointed president of Carlton Football Club in 2022. This trajectory underscores his deep commitment to developing talent and guiding individuals, both on and off the field.
The story of Michael Voss's citizen's arrest and subsequent mentoring relationship highlights a powerful narrative of redemption and the impactful role sports figures can play in community guidance. It demonstrates how a moment of crisis can transform into an opportunity for positive influence and personal connection.
