A Club Reborn Under Josh Fraser
Carlton has shown signs of a club reborn under caretaker coach Josh Fraser. Since parting ways with Michael Voss, the Blues have won all three games, including a notable victory over premiership favorites Geelong last Friday night. This success has brought a new energy to the team, with players showing more freedom and flair in their play.
Despite this positive momentum, Fraser remains firm in his stance that he does not want the head coaching role long-term. The club has been careful with its messaging around the situation, ensuring that the focus remains on the team’s performance rather than the potential for a permanent appointment.
The recent history of hiring caretaker coaches is not lost on Carlton. The 2019 season saw the club sack Brendon Bolton and appoint David Teague as caretaker coach. Initially, this move seemed promising, with a dramatic comeback win over Brisbane and a shift towards an offensive style of play. However, the results did not sustain, and the club ended up in a difficult position, leading to Teague’s eventual dismissal.
This experience has left a lasting impact on the club, making them cautious about repeating the same mistake. The scars from Teague’s tenure are still fresh, and the club is determined to avoid another misstep in the future.
The Dilemma of Hiring a Caretaker Coach
Nathan Brown, a Western Bulldogs champion, believes that Fraser may actually want the job but is playing it down to avoid public scrutiny. This perspective highlights the complexity of the situation, as Fraser has managed to reinvigorate the club with a more modern approach to football, contrasting with Voss’ previous defensive strategies.
However, there is a risk in relying too heavily on a caretaker coach. The example of Teague serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how even a successful short-term stint can lead to long-term issues if not carefully managed. Other clubs, such as North Melbourne and St Kilda, have also faced similar challenges when they hired caretaker coaches in the same year as Carlton did with Teague.
Despite these concerns, Fraser has done an exceptional job bringing life back to a club that had been struggling under Voss. His ability to develop young players and help the club identify its future direction is commendable. He has also demonstrated that the role of a head coach at Carlton could be highly appealing, especially given the current state of the club.
A Strong Field of Candidates
Carlton is in a unique position, with a strong field of potential candidates for the head coaching role. John Longmire, known for his success in Sydney, would be the top choice. Beneath him, there are several experienced assistant coaches who could step into the role, including James Kelly from Geelong, Hayden Skipworth from Collingwood, Corey Enright from St Kilda, and Jaymie Graham from Fremantle.
The club’s leadership, including CEO Graham Wright, has extensive experience in hiring coaches. Wright’s recent success in recruiting Craig McRae from Collingwood shows his capability in making informed decisions. Chris Davies and Adam Simpson, both seasoned administrators and coaches, add to the depth of expertise within the organization.
With the ongoing drama at Essendon, where James Hird has expressed interest in the vacant coaching role, Carlton appears to be a more stable option for potential candidates.
The Future of Carlton
Fraser’s first year at the club has been a learning experience, and if he remains committed to not pursuing the head coaching role, the Blues will likely want him to stay beyond 2026. However, the club is aware of the risks associated with hiring a caretaker coach, as seen in the past decade of AFL history.
Carlton’s journey under Fraser has been one of revitalization, with the team showing promise and a clear direction. The club is now in a strong position to make the right decision for its future, balancing the need for stability with the desire for continued growth.
