Josh Fraser has been announced as Carlton's next senior coach shortly after securing a spot in the Wildcard Round.
Fraser replaced Michael Voss in May after the Blues slumped to a 1-8 record. In 13 games as Carlton interim coach, Fraser has claimed 10 wins, including matches against Geelong and Brisbane, as well as the important draw against the Western Bulldogs.
He has played a straight bat throughout the entire process, and he only officially presented to the Carlton coaching panel last week.
“I have always had ambitions to be a senior coach and what the last three months have done is give me the absolute belief that I am ready, and most importantly ready for this exact opportunity, to be senior coach of the Carlton Football club,” Fraser said.
“When I was told by Rob, Graham and Chris that I had been appointed as senior coach, that sense of appreciation and responsibility I felt in that moment will never be lost on me.
“I firmly believe I am a product of amazing people around me. The collective commitment to each other and to get better every day in order to improve our football club is a privilege to be part of, and rest assured we want to continue to raise the standards in that regard.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our members, supporters, players, staff and the entire Carlton Football Club community for the incredible support they have shown me. The one-club mentality is a responsibility for all of us to carry and I have seen first-hand just how special that is.
“Continuing that connection is going to make what we are building sustainable. We know that as a club we still have a lot of work to do, but we are going to bring our people with us every step of the way. I can't wait to see us embrace the work that will give us the best chance of achieving the ultimate success.”
Chief executive Graham Wright believes Fraser's presentation alone would've won him the role.
Fraser was in the running for the role alongside Jaymie Graham, Corey Enright and James Kelly.
“Even if you removed the last 14 weeks, on his presentation alone Josh would have been the successful candidate,” Wright said.
“Having run all candidates through a thorough and detailed process, for Josh to have emerged as the standout candidate speaks volumes of not only his credentials as a coach, but also the qualities he brings as a leader.
“He is a respectful whole-of-club leader who fosters a professional and united environment, with everyone contributing to our collective pursuit of excellence."
Priestly confirmed Fraser was the "standout candidate, even if you removed the sustained on-field transformation he has produced since taking the reins as interim coach".
A report from SEN has indicated the former Collingwood and Gold Coast player has signed a deal for at least three years.
Following a 13-year playing career for Collingwood and Gold Coast after he was taken with Pick 1 in 1999, Fraser joined the coaching caper, leading the Suns' reserves team in the NEAFL in 2014.
He signed with Carlton's VFL side in 2016, where he served as senior coach of the Northern Bullants. Fraser returned to the Pies to work alongside Craig McRae as an assistant as well as the VFL coach for three years, before joining the Blues at the beginning of this season.
