Josh Fraser Appointed Permanent AFL Senior Coach of the Carlton Football Club

Josh Fraser has been officially announced as the permanent AFL Senior Coach of the Carlton Football Club following an extensive and rigorous recruitment process.

The 44-year-old steps into the role on a permanent basis after serving as interim coach since Round 10 of the current season, during which he guided the Blues to an impressive ten-win, one-draw, and two-loss record.

A former No. 1 overall draft pick in the 1999 AFL National Draft who played 218 games for Collingwood and Gold Coast, Fraser has built a fourteen-year coaching apprenticeship encompassing development and assistant roles across Gold Coast, Collingwood, and Carlton, alongside senior VFL coaching experience with the Northern Bullants and Northern Blues.

Highligting that Fraser emerged as the standout candidate through a detailed evaluation process that extended far beyond his recent on-field success, Carlton president, Rob Priestley , said: “Through this detailed process Josh emerged as the standout candidate, even if you removed the sustained on-field transformation he has produced since taking the reins as interim coach.”

Echoing this endorsement, Carlton CEO, Graham Wright, added: “Having run all candidates through a thorough and detailed process, for Josh to have emerged as the standout candidate speaks volumes of not only his credentials as a coach, but also the qualities he brings as a leader.”

“He is a respectful whole-of-club leader who fosters a professional and united environment, with everyone contributing to our collective pursuit of excellence,” Wright said.

Reflecting on his appointment, Fraser expressed immense gratitude and outlined his vision for the club’s plans.

“When I was told by Rob, Graham and Chris that I had been appointed as senior coach, that sense of appreciation and responsibility I felt in that moment will never be lost on me.”

“I firmly believe I am a product of amazing people around me.

“The collective commitment to each other and to get better every day in order to improve our football club is a privilege to be part of, and rest assured we want to continue to raise the standards in that regard.

“Continuing that connection is going to make what we are building sustainable.

“We know that as a club we still have a lot of work to do, but we are going to bring our people with us every step of the way.

“I can’t wait to see us embrace the work that will give us the best chance of achieving the ultimate success,” Fraser said. 

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