Carlton have commenced the interview process for their next senior coach, with six candidates identified, including two Geelong assistants. However, the "smoky" remains interim coach Josh Fraser, who publicly insists he will not apply for the role despite leading the Blues to six consecutive victories since replacing the sacked Michael Voss.
Candidates on the Radar
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed six of the candidates, noting that more could emerge. Fremantle's forward coach Jaymie Graham is among the contenders, known to Carlton boss Graham Wright from the Collingwood coaching process. Geelong pair James Rahilly and James Kelly are also in the mix. Kelly was well-regarded in Melbourne's coaching process last year, while Rahilly is renowned for his expertise on ball movement.
Daniel Giansiracusa, who has become a key voice at Hawthorn this year, will also meet with the Blues. Brendon Lade, Luke Beveridge's right-hand man at the Western Bulldogs, is no stranger to coaching processes in recent years and has been confirmed as a candidate. Corey Enright will also meet with Carlton, despite many believing he is the long-term replacement for Ross Lyon at St Kilda.
Josh Fraser: The Smoky
Cleary said Fraser remains a contender. "The smoky remains Josh Fraser. While publicly he remains steadfast, he won't be applying. I believe the door is still ajar on him potentially joining the process in coming weeks as he chases his seventh straight win this week against Richmond," Cleary added.
Speaking after Saturday's big win over West Coast, Fraser insisted he is more focused on guiding Carlton through their growing pains rather than scratching his coaching itch. Since being handed the interim coaching role following the exit of Michael Voss on May 11, Fraser has consistently said he is not interested in taking on the head role on a permanent basis. But with the Blues now sitting at 7-8 and shaping as a hot chance to make the new wildcard finals round, Fraser looms as a hard man to dislodge.
"Not a bigger itch," Fraser replied when asked if his itch to coach full-time had grown. "I've had the ambitions for a long time, and ... you never quite know when you're ready. So this is giving me quite a unique opportunity to learn and grow in the chair, and it is an interim role, I'm acutely aware of that. But really my focus is on making sure the club's better placed at the end of the season. I just said to the boys, if I summarise where we're at, I think we're still going through some growing pains, and we're doing it getting results, but there's still parts of our game we've got to get to work on."
Impact and Next Steps
Carlton's decision on the new senior coach will have significant implications for the club's future direction, especially with the team's recent resurgence under Fraser. The interview process is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the club aiming to make a decision before the end of the season.
