Josh Fraser has presented to the Carlton hierarchy after officially entering the club’s process to find its full-time coach.
After a stunning run of 10 wins from 12 matches since becoming interim coach when Michael Voss left the club in May, Fraser has Carlton on the cusp of the most unlikely finals appearance.
Although he has delivered a perfect on-the-job audition, Fraser was still required to pitch to the Blues’ coaching panel on Wednesday.
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Untried assistants Jaymie Graham (Fremantle), Corey Enright (St Kilda) and James Kelly (Geelong) have been through the process, with Fraser only formally putting his hand up this week.
“A fortnight ago, the club came to me and asked me to be a part of this coaching process,” Fraser said today.
“Then this week, I was in a position to go back to the club and accept that offer to go through the process.
“I presented to the coaching panel this week.”
At his first press conference when taking over from Voss, Fraser was adamant he was not interested in being Carlton’s coach beyond this season.
But after a wildly successful 12 weeks in charge, buoyed by enthusiastic fans, Fraser could not turn down the opportunity.
“I have said, previously, that I’ve been ambitious to be a senior coach,” Fraser said.
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to sit in the chair and consolidate some of my thinking; get some opportunity exposure to the role that otherwise you wouldn’t normally get.
“It’s been something that’s been crystallising in my mind and my thoughts.
“Really confident that I’m ready to assume the responsibility of being a senior coach.
“There are 19 jobs to be a senior (AFL) coach.
“I’m as excited about this group as a lot of our Carlton supporters will be.”
Joyous Blues fans were chanting “we want Fraser” as the Blues steamrolled St Kilda on Sunday night to put themselves in the box seat to earn a spot in the wildcard round.
If they defeat the Western Bulldogs, who will be without superstar captain Marcus Bontempelli on Sunday, the Blues will lock in their spot in the top 10.
It has been one of the more remarkable in-season turnarounds in AFL history, with Carlton 1-8 when Fraser took over.
“It can disrupt the club at times, when there’s a significant change, like when you lose a coach, and you bring another coach in mid-season,” Fraser said.
“That speaks to the culture that’s been here, but I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had around me.”
AAP
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