Fraser named Carlton coach after leading Blues' AFL revival

Josh Fraser has been appointed as the permanent coach of Carlton FC after leading the Blues to a revival in the AFL season. Since becoming interim coach, Fraser has secured 10 wins and one draw from 13 matches. The club now faces the ladder-leading Fremantle in the final home and away round, followed by a wildcard weekend.

Carlton's chief executive, Graham Wright, stated that Fraser's presentation alone would have been sufficient to secure his appointment as senior coach. Fraser's rise from being the 1-8 ranked coach when Michael Voss left the club made him the unanimous choice for the position. The former Collingwood and Gold Coast ruckman has won 10 out of 13 games, leading Carlton into the most unexpected of finals appearances.

The club's board will meet on Monday to formalize Fraser's appointment. Wright mentioned that Fraser's presentation alone would have been enough to make him the successful candidate, even if the last 14 weeks were excluded. Fraser's credentials as a coach and a leader, as well as his ability to foster a professional and united environment, were highlighted by Wright.

Although Fraser spent most of his playing career at the Magpies, his coaching journey has primarily been at Carlton. After serving as an assistant coach twice, Fraser now leads the club's VFL team. Upon becoming interim coach, he ruled himself out of contention for the senior position next year, allowing the club to avoid pressure when making the decision.

Fraser expressed his excitement and readiness for the role, stating that the past three months have given him the confidence that he is prepared to be the senior coach of the Carlton football club. He believes he is a product of the amazing people around him and acknowledges the collective commitment to each other and to improving the football club daily.