Embattled Carlton coach Michael Voss has dumped midfield star and ex-Docker Blake Acres for Thursday night’s clash with the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium.

While Acres’ numbers are only slightly down from his career averages, he is the first victim of the Blues’ nosedive in form as Voss looks to inject some energy into his midfield.

Acres played 45 games for Fremantle across three seasons, after arriving from St Kilda as part of the Brad Hill trade, before walking out on the club to return to Victoria with the Blues.

In return, the Dockers received Carlton’s future third-round selection, which they traded away to Gold Coast in a pick swap.

He was instrumental in Carlton’s run to the 2023 preliminary final, kicking a goal at the death in the elimination final against Sydney and then was the hero again the following week in the semi-final, when Carlton rolled Melbourne to make their first preliminary final since 2000.

But following a week one exit from the finals last year, Carlton’s form has cratered, with pressure mounting on Voss and the football club as a whole.

The on-ball brigade has come into question for a lack of dynamism, and none of them possesses electrifying speed, with Acres the first to cop the axe.

It is the first time Acres has been dropped since joining Carlton, and he may not be the last star