The champion midfielder had earlier that year signed with West Coast as an assistant coach, committing to an apprenticeship under John Worsfold.
There was little doubt Voss would go on to be a senior coach in his own right, but his decision to learn the ropes from Worsfold was applauded.
He turned down an opportunity to be Gold Coast's inaugural coach and was committed to doing "the best possible job I can at West Coast under John Worsfold and see where that goes".
When his mentor Leigh Matthews resigned as coach of the Brisbane Lions at the end of the 2008 season, however, there was little doubt who would take over.
Voss no longer the boss
Matthews told the Lions' board midway through 2008 that Voss, his 2001-03 premiership captain, should be his eventual successor.
When Matthews stood down, the Lions board wasted no time.
"He hasn't coached at the AFL senior level but everyone has to start somewhere," then chairman Tony Kelly said.
"He may make mistakes, but we're going to back him all the way.''
Kelly was replaced as chairman by Angus Johnson in August, 2010, and his "all the way" pledge expired on Tuesday afternoon when Voss was told his contract would not be extended.
Matthews told the Lions' board midway through 2008 that Voss, his 2001-03 premiership captain, should be his eventual successor.
When Matthews stood down, the Lions board wasted no time.
"He hasn't coached at the AFL senior level but everyone has to start somewhere," then chairman Tony Kelly said.
"He may make mistakes, but we're going to back him all the way.''
Kelly was replaced as chairman by Angus Johnson in August, 2010, and his "all the way" pledge expired on Tuesday afternoon when Voss was told his contract would not be extended.
Fans heckle chairman after sacking
Despite clear improvement in the second half of the season, the Lions (8-11) were unlikely to better their 10 wins from 2012.
Voss was also unable to escape a winning percentage of just 39.8 in his five seasons as senior coach.
The Lions played two finals in 2009, Voss's first season as coach, but they have not returned to the September stage since.
His decision to trade aggressively at the end of 2009 and chase an immediate premiership is a decision that has stymied his ambitions ever since.
Carlton bad boy Brendan Fevola was a failure at the Lions, playing 17 games in 2010 before he was sacked ahead of the 2011 season.
That botched trade soured Voss's relationship with premiership teammate Daniel Bradshaw, who was offered to Carlton.
Despite clear improvement in the second half of the season, the Lions (8-11) were unlikely to better their 10 wins from 2012.
Voss was also unable to escape a winning percentage of just 39.8 in his five seasons as senior coach.
The Lions played two finals in 2009, Voss's first season as coach, but they have not returned to the September stage since.
His decision to trade aggressively at the end of 2009 and chase an immediate premiership is a decision that has stymied his ambitions ever since.
Carlton bad boy Brendan Fevola was a failure at the Lions, playing 17 games in 2010 before he was sacked ahead of the 2011 season.
That botched trade soured Voss's relationship with premiership teammate Daniel Bradshaw, who was offered to Carlton.
Lion hearts: coaches in the mix
The Lions also traded for Xavier Clarke (St Kilda) and Amon Buchanan (Sydney Swans), who played a combined 19 games for the club.
Andrew Raines (Richmond), Matt Maguire (St Kilda) and Brent Staker (West Coast), who remain on the list, have repaid the faith somewhat.
Voss took a risk in skipping a coaching apprenticeship, and he took a risk 12 months later chasing a premiership ahead of time.
It didn't pay off, but who's to say the proven path would have been the right one for the 289-game champion?
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
The Lions also traded for Xavier Clarke (St Kilda) and Amon Buchanan (Sydney Swans), who played a combined 19 games for the club.
Andrew Raines (Richmond), Matt Maguire (St Kilda) and Brent Staker (West Coast), who remain on the list, have repaid the faith somewhat.
Voss took a risk in skipping a coaching apprenticeship, and he took a risk 12 months later chasing a premiership ahead of time.
It didn't pay off, but who's to say the proven path would have been the right one for the 289-game champion?
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
