Fraser named Carlton coach after leading Blues' AFL revival

Josh Fraser has been appointed full-time coach of Carlton, following his success as interim coach leading the team to a revival in the AFL season. Since becoming interim coach, Carlton has recorded 10 wins and one draw from 13 matches. The club faces the ladder leaders Fremantle in the final home and away round, ahead of a wildcard weekend.

Carlton's chief executive, Graham Wright, believes Fraser's presentation alone would have been sufficient to secure his appointment as senior coach. After rising from 1-8 when Michael Voss exited as coach, Fraser was unanimously chosen to lead the Blues forward.

A former Collingwood and Gold Coast ruckman, Fraser has guided Carlton to a remarkable 10 wins out of 13 games, securing the team's spot in the top 10. On Sunday, Carlton's draw against the Western Bulldogs sealed their position, prompting the club's board to finalize Fraser's appointment on Monday.

The results gave Fraser an edge over untried assistants Jaymie Graham (Fremantle), Corey Enright (St Kilda), and James Kelly (Geelong), who had all presented to the coaching panel before him. Wright stated that even if the last 14 weeks were removed, Fraser would have been the successful candidate based solely on his presentation.

Wright praised Fraser's credentials as a coach and his leadership qualities, describing him as a respectful whole-of-club leader who fosters a professional and united environment. Fraser, 44, has had two stints as an assistant coach at Carlton and has led the club's VFL team. When appointed as interim coach, he ruled himself out of contention for the senior coach position next year to alleviate pressure on the club.

Fraser expressed his belief that he is ready to become the senior coach of the Carlton football club, crediting the collective commitment to each other and continuous improvement for raising the standards of the club.