# Josh Fraser appointed permanent Carlton senior coach > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/carlton-names-josh-fraser-interim-coach-after-michael-voss-resigns-then-fraser-declines-permanent-po > Updated: 2026-09-10T06:48:09.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 18. Following Michael Voss’s resignation in May, assistant Josh Fraser was installed as Carlton’s interim senior coach. He orchestrated a significant turnaround, leading the Blues from a 1–8 start to an 11–10 record, which secured an improbable wildcard finals berth. On August 11, 2026, Fraser officially entered the race for the permanent head coaching role starting in 2027, joining a shortlist that included Corey Enright, James Kelly, Jaymie Graham, and Daniel Giansiracusa. On August 17, 2026, the Carlton Football Club officially appointed the 44-year-old former No. 1 overall draft pick as its permanent AFL senior coach. Carlton president Rob Priestley and CEO Graham Wright praised Fraser’s leadership, identifying him as the standout candidate due to his “professional qualities and innovative mindset.” Former coach Michael Voss has supported the transition, describing the Blues as the “equal-form team in the competition” over the preceding 10 to 11 weeks and noting the team's evolution into a player-led organization under captain Patrick Cripps. While Voss noted that the team's percentages make a premiership run a “tough gig,” he expressed confidence in their ability to compete in their upcoming elimination final against Geelong. As the club enters a new era under Fraser, Carlton is undergoing a significant roster overhaul. General manager Chris Davies confirmed the club will utilize free agency, the trade period, and the draft to address needs in key forward firepower, defensive depth, and midfield stability. This follows a period of list management where the club delisted nine players, including father-son duo Ben and Lucas Camporeale. The club is also managing the contract statuses of players such as Ollie Hollands and Adam Saad ahead of the upcoming movement period. ## Claims - Under Fraser's interim leadership, the team achieved 10 wins, one draw, and two losses. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The team secured a wildcard finals berth following a draw against the Western Bulldogs. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fraser beat out candidates Corey Enright, Jaymie Graham, James Kelly, and Daniel Giansiracusa for the role. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The club was 1-8 before Fraser took over as interim coach in May. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Carlton board met on Monday to ratify the decision to appoint Josh Fraser as head coach. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Josh Fraser is expected to sign a multi-year deal, potentially for at least three years. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Carlton Football Club undergoes roster overhaul ahead of trade period Carlton Football Club is restructuring its roster under new coach Josh Fraser, delisting nine players, including the Camporeale twins, to prioritize key forward and midfield reinforcements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-football-club-undergoes-roster-overhaul-ahead-of-trade-period ### 2026-08-31: Michael Voss praises Carlton's resurgence under Josh Fraser Former Carlton coach Michael Voss praised the Blues' remarkable turnaround under Josh Fraser as the team heads into the AFL finals following a significant mid-season resurgence. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-voss-praises-carltons-resurgence-under-josh-fraser ### 2026-08-17: Josh Fraser appointed permanent Carlton senior coach Josh Fraser has been appointed permanent senior coach of the Carlton Football Club following a successful interim stint that led the team to an unlikely AFL wildcard finals berth. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-fraser-appointed-carlton-head-coach ### 2026-08-11: Josh Fraser enters race for Carlton senior coaching role Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser has officially applied for the permanent senior coaching role after leading the Blues to 10 wins in 12 games and reviving their finals prospects. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-fraser-enters-race-for-carlton-senior-coaching-role ### 2026-08-05: Josh Fraser weighs full-time head coach role at Carlton after strong interim stint Interim coach Josh Fraser, after leading Carlton to a 9‑2 record, will discuss a full‑time role with the club, while analysts note his coaching style mirrors mentor Craig McRae. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-fraser-weighs-full-time-head-coach-role-at-carlton-after-strong-interim-stint ### 2026-08-03: Carlton AFL interim coach Josh Fraser drives team’s winning surge Interim coach Josh Fraser has led Carlton to a 9‑2 run, including a 76‑point win, while George Hewett returns to form and Sam Walsh lauds Fraser’s self‑less leadership amid coaching succession talks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-afl-interim-coach-josh-fraser-drives-teams-winning-surge ### 2026-08-01: Josh Fraser set to apply for permanent Carlton Blues head‑coach role Interim coach Josh Fraser, after a 9‑2 run and a 76‑point win over Brisbane, will decide this week whether to apply for the permanent Carlton Blues head‑coach role. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-fraser-set-to-apply-for-permanent-carlton-blues-headcoach-role ### 2026-07-30: Carlton Football Club narrows AFL coaching race to Giansiracusa and Fraser Carlton Football Club’s coaching search reaches final stages, with Daniel Giansiracusa emerging as a contender and caretaker Josh Fraser invited to apply, according to club officials. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-football-club-narrows-afl-coaching-race-to-giansiracusa-and-fraser ### 2026-07-30: Carlton Blues give interim coach Josh Fraser a week to apply for senior job Carlton Blues interim coach Josh Fraser, after an 8‑2 run, has been given a week to decide if he will apply for the senior coaching role, following encouragement from club boss Chris Davies. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-blues-give-interim-coach-josh-fraser-a-week-to-apply-for-senior-job ### 2026-07-25: Josh Fraser Weighs Options as Interim Coach of AFL's Carlton Interim coach Josh Fraser, after leading Carlton to eight wins from ten and a 10th‑place finish, says he will consider his future while the club eyes a new full‑time appointment. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-fraser-weighs-options-as-interim-coach-of-afls-carlton ### 2026-07-17: Carlton's interim coach Josh Fraser readies team for clash with Collingwood Interim Carlton coach Josh Fraser, who turned a 1‑8 start into a 7‑1 run, prepares his side for a pivotal clash with rival Collingwood, praised by both clubs for his calm style. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carltons-interim-coach-josh-fraser-readies-team-for-clash-with-collingwood ### 2026-06-24: Carlton Blues interim coach Josh Fraser lauded as future senior coach Interim coach Josh Fraser has turned Carlton's season around, earning player praise and speculation about a permanent role, while former coach Michael Voss says the club will likely formalize his candidacy. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-blues-interim-coach-josh-fraser-lauded-as-future-senior-coach ### 2026-05-28: AFL interim coaches get brief surge before reality sets in Wayne Campbell reflects on missing a 2009 Richmond interim coaching role and outlines the short‑term boost and limits of AFL interim coaches, citing current examples at Essendon and Carlton. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-interim-coaches-get-brief-surge-before-reality-sets-in ### 2026-05-27: AFL panel formed to select Carlton's next coach amid league-wide coaching search Carlton forms a panel, including Adam Simpson, to pick a new coach while Tasmania CEO Brendon Gale says the club remains unfazed by the broader AFL coaching market. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-panel-formed-to-select-carltons-next-coach-amid-league-wide-coaching-search ### 2026-05-25: Coach Josh Fraser sparks Carlton Blues revival with six key players Interim coach Josh Fraser has revitalized the Carlton Blues, with six players—captain Patrick Cripps, Jagga Smith and others—driving a surge of wins and renewed confidence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-blues-climb-under-interim-coach-josh-fraser ### 2026-05-16: Carlton defeats Western Bulldogs under interim coach after Voss resignation Carlton beats Western Bulldogs 74-62 under interim coach after Voss resigns, earning first win since round one. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-defeats-western-bulldogs-under-interim-coach-after-voss-resignation ### 2026-05-15: Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser rules out senior coaching role Carlton caretaker Josh Fraser says he won’t apply for the Blues’ senior coach job, focusing on the interim role. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlton-interim-coach-josh-fraser-rules-out-senior-coaching-role ### 2026-05-12: Carlton appoints Josh Fraser as interim coach after Michael Voss resigns Michael Voss resigns as Carlton coach; Josh Fraser named interim, marking another shift for the AFL club. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-voss-claims-carlton-afl-club-left-in-better-shape-after-his-exit --- Cite as: Josh Fraser appointed permanent Carlton senior coach. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/carlton-names-josh-fraser-interim-coach-after-michael-voss-resigns-then-fraser-declines-permanent-po