AFL

Firing Fraser won't budge on Blues coaching role

May 30, 2026

Josh Fraser, Carlton players — Interim coach Josh Fraser speaks to the Carlton players during the victory over Geelong at the MCG. -AAP Image

Josh Fraser remains adamant he won't put his hand up for the vacant Carlton coaching role despite steering the club to a third win from as many games.

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The 44-year-old interim coach has a perfect record since taking the reins from Michael Voss, following the Blues' thrilling four-point victory over Geelong on Friday night.

"I've said this a number of times: I see this as an interim coaching role," Fraser said after the 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84) triumph.

"Part of my responsibility is to help the club move forward and make sure it's better placed at the end of the season to what it is now."

Carlton this week named a four-person panel to select a replacement for Voss, who departed earlier in May.

Fraser acknowledged the growing spotlight on him but said it doesn't sit comfortably with him.

"I respect the questioning around it but my answer's going to be pretty consistent," Fraser said.

"And off the emotion of a win it's not going to change."

Fraser wouldn't entertain a hypothetical scenario where Carlton ask him to apply for the full-time position, but did say he is enjoying the interim role.

"I still feel I've got some work to do and I do feel like this opportunity is helping me," Fraser said.

"But I'm fully supportive of the club preparing and going through a process to find the best person for Carlton.

"In the meantime, my role is to help set the club up."

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps was the hero against Geelong when he took a towering mark close to goal and put his team in front with 70 seconds left on the clock.

Cripps had 30 disposals and eight clearances in another telling contribution.

"You've always got confidence he'll take his moment when it presents," Fraser said.

"But the most pleasing part about 'Crippa' is how he's making others around him better, and maybe that's taking a bit of pressure off his shoulders as well."

At 4-8, Carlton are back in contention for a "wildcard" finals spot with winnable games against Essendon, GWS, West Coast and Richmond in the coming weeks.

"It hasn't been raised internally," Fraser said.

"We've kept out focus really narrow and that will probably be another challenge for us to be able to stay really process-driven throughout this time.

"I'd like to think that we're focused on getting better as opposed to what that might lead to."