Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser navigates personal loss and professional crossroads
Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser led his side to a victory over reigning premiers Brisbane on Sunday while privately mourning the death of his father Bill, who passed away on Thursday morning. The 44-year-old sought to keep attention on the team, but tributes from family and supporters have highlighted the depth of the loss.
Family tributes honor a devoted father and grandfather
Josh's wife Kylie shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing Bill as an 'incredible man' and a 'devoted family man.' She wrote: 'Bill was an incredible man. An amazing father to Josh and Courtney, a wonderful father in-law to Glynn and me, a very special Poppy to Ted and Emmy, and a true friend to everyone who knew him.'
Bill Fraser lived a varied life as a carpenter, detective in the homicide squad, and farmer, but above all, he was a family man. He ran a cattle farm in Mansfield, Victoria, and when Josh was drafted to Collingwood with the No.1 pick in 1999, he often spoke about returning home weekly to spend time with his family.
Josh and Kylie's son Ted also paid tribute with a short message: 'Rest easy Pop. I love you.'
Fraser weighs permanent coaching role amid strong on-field results
Josh is still deciding whether to formally apply for the permanent coaching role. 'This week I'll come to a decision,' he said after the win. 'My aim at the start of this was to help the club move forward. I feel like in this process, I'm learning so much about myself.'
Interviews have already begun at Ikon Park, with St Kilda assistant Corey Enright and Fremantle's Jaymie Graham considered frontrunners. But on-field results are speaking for themselves, with Carlton beating both of last year's grand finalists in an unexpected run that has delighted long-suffering supporters.
Fraser had previously ruled himself out of the race but has softened his stance. 'It's not so much umming and aahing, I think it's just considering everything that comes with being a senior coach and being prepared to go through that process,' he said.
Carlton's football boss Chris Davies said the club is in the second phase of finding its next fulltime coach. 'It's fair and reasonable to say that after 10 weeks, he (Fraser) has a better understanding of where he's at ... we think he should put his hand up,' Davies told SEN radio.
FAQ: Josh Fraser and Carlton's coaching situation
What happened to Josh Fraser's father?
Bill Fraser, Josh's father, died on Thursday morning. He was a former carpenter, homicide detective, and farmer who ran a cattle farm in Mansfield, Victoria.
Is Josh Fraser applying for the permanent Carlton coaching job?
Fraser is still weighing his options but has indicated he will make a decision soon. He has softened his previous stance of ruling himself out.
Who are the other candidates for the Carlton coaching role?
St Kilda assistant Corey Enright and Fremantle's Jaymie Graham are considered frontrunners among those who have met with Blues hierarchy.