Blues say Fraser was simply the best candidate, confirm his appointment as coach

Carlton have confirmed the appointment of Josh Fraser as the club’s senior coach, saying he was the standout candidate regardless of his results as the interim boss.

Fraser became the unbackable favourite to take the role after he officially joined the race last week.

The Blues, who had a 1-8 win-loss record when Fraser replaced Michael Voss, sealed an improbable wildcard berth on Sunday when they drew with the Western Bulldogs.

Fraser is the Blues’ third interim coach to take the senior role in the past 19 years, following in the footsteps of Brett Ratten and David Teague.

“It was important for our football club, and for Josh himself, that he participated in the coaching selection process in its entirety,” Blues chairman Rob Priestley wrote in a letter to members.

“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 senior coach.”