Carlton leader Jacob Weitering has joined teammate Jagga Smith in throwing their support behind caretaker Josh Fraser assuming the senior coaching position.
Fraser was asked last week by the Blues to officially join the process alongside Corey Enright, James Kelly, Jaymie Graham and Daniel Giansiracusa, and is set to make his decision this week.
Since Carlton moved on from Michael Voss, Fraser has led the club to a 9-2 record, including a 76-point dismantling of the reigning premiers.
SEE MORE: Why Carlton's runaway Rising Star leader gives interim head coach his endorsement
“Of course,” Weitering said in response to wanting Fraser to become senior coach.
“Any time you get an opportunity to see an individual that you've spent time with in two lights - as a line coach for a period of time, and then to go into the head coaching role.
“I guess nobody would have expected (what he's delivered). I'm not sure what upper leadership were thinking at the time, whether he was an option or not, but the proof is in the pudding a little bit, isn't it?
“He knows what he's doing from a coaching standpoint; he's an incredible connector with the players, and it seems the coaches around him have also thrived and brought their best as well.
“It would be great to see him get it, but as we know, these decisions are not up to us.”
The Blues have been one of the most in-form teams in the AFL, trailing only Fremantle during the 'Fraser era' in wins, which the Carlton vice-captain labelled as a "masterclass".
“I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but I'd say it's a masterclass in how to interim coach,” the key defender said.
“He's made it all about the club and all about his team and the players. He's an incredibly selfless individual. He's a great family man. He focuses on the player and making sure what's best for him.
“He's very consistent with his messaging. He focused on a couple of things when he first came into the job. Leadership meetings are very much the same. He's always asking for feedback and our opinions and certainly taking it on board.
“At the same time, he knows when to challenge us.
“He's been excellent.”
The Blues currently hold onto the final Wildcard Round spot (10th) with three games to go in the home-and-away season. They take on St Kilda on Sunday in an elimination final-esque clash in honour of Danny Frawley and Spud's Game.
Weitering is a chance to return against the Saints from a calf injury, which has sidelined him for the past eight matches.
