With just one win from its last nine games, the Lions face another tough assignment against Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.
Voss laid down the law to his team in a heart-to-heart during their 11-day mid-season break.
“Certain expectations were laid down, absolutely, about their position in the team and what we expect when you are in the team,” Voss said.
“We’ll keep trying to change that mixture and change that personnel until we get what we want.”
The changes will start on Thursday night with 19-year-old rookie Jesse O’Brien already named to make his debut.
Voss said the former South Australian winger, drafted by the Lions with pick 73 in the 2009 NAB AFL National Draft, had earned his place through consistency in the reserves.
“His competitive instincts have been right up there,” Voss said.
“His work rate is great, he runs hard, he really does warrant his position in the team.”
Voss said it was the bottom six players who were hurting the Lions each week and whose places in the side were most at risk.
“The six that don’t (perform) in any given week are costing us,” Voss said.
“That is the personnel that we have got to try and keep finding so that might cost you your position in the team.
“We get to see those players that are edging their way in the reserves and putting the work in, they’re getting rewarded with games of footy.”
The Lions can expect to welcome back Simon Black (virus), Ash McGrath (hamstring) and James Polkinghorne (thigh).
Aaron Cornelius will retain his place at centre half-forward in the absence of captain Jonathan Brown (abdominal strain).
Brown booted seven goals in the Lions’ round two victory over Carlton at the Gabba.
Josh Drummond, Jed Adcock and Matt Maguire will also be absent after featuring in the 19-point win, which was also on the centre stage of a Thursday night.
Voss said the players should relish being the only game of football on that day.
“Everyone gets to see the effort we put in on Thursday,” Voss said.
“I think that is fantastic accountability.”
Voss said Brendan Fevola would not be over anxious playing his former side because he had played a pre-season game against the Blues in Melbourne.
And he said whoever gets the job on Chris Judd will have a license to do what it takes to stop the Carlton captain.
“As much as they can possibly do within the rules,” Voss said.
“We are here to win four points, you do anything you possibly can within the rules of AFL to ensure that you give your team a chance to be able to do that.
“If you’re not prepared to do it, then go play marbles.”
