Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh celebrated a crucial goal as the Blues defeated GWS Giants 12.16 (88) to 9.11 (65) at Engie Stadium on Saturday, extending their winning streak to five matches under interim coach Josh Fraser.
Blues Overcome Slow Start
Carlton dominated the first quarter with 18 inside 50s but managed only one goal, squandering numerous opportunities. Despite this, they held on to secure a 23-point victory, a game they likely would have lost two months ago under former coach Michael Voss.
GWS, known for rapid scoring bursts, struggled to break down Carlton's resolute defence. The Blues showed improved composure, particularly in key moments late in the third quarter when Walsh kicked a goal after the siren from a sequence of low, angled kicks. Later, Matt Cottrell's second goal highlighted their newfound fluency and cohesion in transition.
What Has Changed Under Fraser?
While the personnel remains similar—with Sam Walsh fitter, Patrick Cripps playing with more freedom, and George Hewett and Blake Acres back from the reserves—the mental approach has shifted. Under Voss, the Blues would often buckle under pressure; under Fraser, they have been able to maintain their emotional pitch and absorb opposition challenges.
"Every time GWS threatened, Carlton were able to take the sting out of the game for three or four minutes," noted the report. This resilience has transformed a season that could have been meaningless into one that is very much alive.
Voss's Legacy and Carlton's Dilemma
Michael Voss, sacked after a string of fade-outs, recently returned from holiday and took a job with Fox Footy. When asked about a return to coaching, he responded simply: "No." His departure leaves Carlton with an unusual decision: Fraser has won five from five but insists he does not want to be a senior coach.
"It's too easy to conclude that Voss was the problem and Fraser is a genius," the article stated. "It's never that simple. Voss often spoke of the stonecutters credo—hammering away until the rock splits. His problem is that it happened too late."
Fraser's Humble Approach
Unlike other interim coaches who openly campaign for the top job, Fraser has not sought the role. He continues to talk about building depth and handing over a vastly improved team to whoever gets the job next. His team's performance, however, speaks volumes.
The Blues' five consecutive wins under Fraser have kept their season alive, but the club faces a difficult choice: appoint a coach who does not want the job or look elsewhere for an outsider to save them, as they have done with Pagan, Judd, Malthouse, Voss, and Wright.
