Highly sought-after assistants are at the top of the list for Carlton decision makers, as one of the code's most storied clubs hones in on its next coach.
Despite a flawless record under interim coach Josh Fraser since Michael Voss' departure, "Frase" has held his nerve, routinely stating he does not hold an interest in applying for the position, full-time.
The names CEO Graham Wright and football boss Chris Davies are interested in speaking to instead, however, have been revealed, courtesy of Channel 7's Mitch Cleary.
Prized Geelong assistants James Kelly and James Rahilly headline the crop, that is rounded out by long-time 'coach-in-waiting' Daniel Giansiracusa, Ross Lyon's St Kilda lieutenant Corey Enright, the Western Bulldogs' Brendon Lade, and the rampaging Dockers' assistant, Jaymie Graham.
The list is by no means exhaustive, with the club expected to pursue conversations with established names like John Longmire, Ken Hinkley and others of that ilk, while Adam Simpson, like Fraser, has repeatedly expressed that he will not feature in calculations, citing his work with the club as the primary reason for this.
Six names confirmed that Carlton will meet with as part of its coaching process:
Jaymie Graham - Fremantle
James Kelly - Geelong
James Rahilly - Geelong
Daniel Giansiracusa - Hawthorn
Corey Enright - St Kilda
Brendon Lade - Western Bulldogs @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) June 29, 2026
Elsewhere, fellow fallen powerhouse Essendon have confirmed the panel responsible for their coaching search, with the distinctly Essendon flavour of the panel receiving a raft of different views from pundits.
Only time will tell whether or not the Bombers' insistence on internal people shaping their club is the savviest of solutions to their current mire.
