Carlton recruit Wil Parker is excited to work closely with Josh Fraser again after he officially signed with the Blues as a delisted free agent.
Parker was delisted by Collingwood after three years under Craig McRae, joining the Pies as a Category B Rookie after his four-year professional cricket career.
During his time at Olympic Park, he worked alongside Fraser, who was Collingwood's VFL coach in 2024, before moving into the development space last year before joining Carlton.
"Well Frase is a great man," Parker said.
"I think when I was first starting to make the switch back over to footy, I'd go to cricket training in the morning and then in the afternoon, I'd link up with Frase, and he'd teach me how to kick a footy again.
"He's been there from the start of my football journey. Obviously coached me at Collingwood VFL and the development space, so for him to have the head role here, and for him to want me at this club, and work closely with me, it's really positive and reassuring for me.
"I think having him coach me before, he knows what type of player I am, the way I play, how I operate. And vice versa. I know how he operates and the type of character he is.
"And I'd like to think that he sees me as a good fit for this club."
Parker joins a unique club in switching between the arch rivals, with famous names such as Dale Thomas, Michael Malthouse, Heath Scotland and Alex Fasolo. Even Fraser is among the group, having played for Collingwood but now coaching the Blues.
"I am excited about the change," Parker said.
"I think Carlton is a great fit for me, and I'm excited to come to a place where the trajectory is on the up. It'll be interesting crossing from Collingwood to Carlton. I'm not sure what the fallout will be, but I think I've landed in a good spot."
Parker had met with Blues football boss Chris Davies and Fraser in weeks gone by, and knew that a second chance at Ikon Park was needed to continue his AFL career.
"First, it was Chris Davies who reached out and then from on I jumped on straight away, met Frase and Chris at the club, had some good conversations with where this club is going and how they see me part of this team," he said.
"Walking out of this stadium, I felt like I had to come back straight away. Since then, it's been in the works, and finally it got done.
"Everyone mentioned it's a handshake agreement but it never really settles the nerves until it's official. Now that it is, I can rest easy and really get started."
"I think just from my experience in the past three years, when I first got back into AFL footy, I was pretty raw and had to learn how to play the game again.
"But now, I've had a good three years under my belt, learning how to play the game again, had experience at AFL level and I think I can take the next step at a new club."
"It's definitely different to cricket. More running, bit more physicality. It's a completely different game but I grew up playing it. I love the game. Finding the passion for it, learning the craft and being so new to it again, I feel like there's no ceiling for myself. Continue to develop, continue to get better and I'd like to see where it can go."
Parker joins a defensive group that is littered with talent, especially given the acquisition of GWS veteran Lachie Whitfield across halfback.
The cricket convert understands the selection pressure at Ikon Park, but won't shy away from the challenge.
"I think here at Carlton, I'd be naive to think I'd be guaranteed to play AFL," Parker said.
"I'm grateful to land on the list and just back myself to train hard during pre-season and earn a spot in the 1s come Round 1."
Carlton begins its season on Saturday, March 20 in Round 1 against Richmond. However, Parker will need to wait five weeks until Round 5 to face his old side.
