Josh Fraser has made a call about entering the Blues coaching process, as the “hot favourite” for Essendon’s next coach emerges.
Plus a young Hawks star meets with a Victorian rival, and a wild tale involving a Carlton champion. Read on in AFL Daily.
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Josh Fraser will throw his hat in the ring for the Carlton coaching role.
The Herald Sun reports that Fraser has told Blues hierarchy of his desire to present for the full-time job after the club’s stunning 10-2 run under his interim stewardship.
Fraser has been consistently non-committal about entering the race, but Carlton footy boss Chris Davies confirmed last month the club had invited the caretaker boss to be part of the process.
Asked after the team’s win over St Kilda whether he’d nominate for the full-time role, Fraser said: “You’re going to get another straight bat!
“My preference tonight is not to make it about me, if possible … I do appreciate the questions around me, but right now I feel a lot of gratitude for the people that surround me.”
Fraser was given extra time and space to make a call following his father’s recent passing, with Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham, St Kilda’s Corey Enright, Geelong’s James Kelly and Hawthorn’s Daniel Giansiracus the finalists for the gig.
But Fraser has emerged as a strong favourite after the Blues’ stunning rise from 1-8 to 10th spot on the ladder and a likely finals appearance.
Former GWS interim coach and Bombers champion Mark McVeigh appears to be the “hot favourite” to be named next Essendon coach.
While ex-coach James Hird, Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham and Crows coaching director Murray Davis are also in the hunt, Swans assistant McVeigh is widely expected to replace Brad Scott according to veteran journalist Caroline Wilson.
Sydney plays Essendon this weekend and she believes McVeigh would leave the Swans immediately if appointed.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the Bombers had been expected to name their next coach this week, but have delayed the decision until next week – after the Sydney game.
“Mark McVeigh seems to be the hot favourite … senior journalists are saying he’s the favourite, and AFL HQ, they seem to think he’s getting the job,” Wilson said on Seven.
