Carlton are set to begin interviews for their next senior coach with six names on their radar, including a pair of Geelong assistants.
But the “smoky” remains interim coach Josh Fraser, who publicly insists he won’t be applying for the job despite leading the Blues to six straight wins since taking the reins after Michael Voss was sacked.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Carlton begins interviews for new senior coach
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7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed six of the candidates, but added there is likely to be more.
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 nous on ball movement.
Daniel Giansiracusa, who has made the jump to 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’s the long-term replacement for Ross Lyon at St Kilda.
But Cleary said Fraser is right in the mix as well.
“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’s 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.”
