Carlton Football Club has experienced a marked turnaround under the leadership of Josh Fraser, who took over as caretaker coach following a difficult start to the 2026 Australian Football League (AFL) season. After beginning the year with a 1-8 record under previous coach Michael Voss, the Blues have since won 11 of their last 14 games to secure a wildcard final against Melbourne.

The shift in fortunes has been attributed largely to a change in coaching philosophy and training methods. While Voss, in his fifth season at the helm, focused extensively on defensive transition and detailed, decision-based drills, insiders say the complexity of his approach eventually wore on the playing group. One source familiar with Carlton described Voss’s methods as “overcomplicated” and suggested that the team lacked sufficient repetition of fundamental skills such as kicking, resulting in players feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the basics of the game.

Fraser’s approach, by contrast, emphasizes simplicity and fundamentals, particularly through increased ball use during training sessions. “He has kept it simple whereas Vossy over-complicated things,” a club insider explained. This back-to-basics focus has led to improvements in execution, enabling the team to confidently implement game strategies. The transformation is compared internally to the change Western Bulldogs experienced under Luke Beveridge after Brendan McCartney’s tenure, where easing player pressure and encouraging freedom on the field contributed to a premiership two years later.

Cultural factors have also played a role in Carlton’s revival. The departure of four prominent players—Sam Docherty, Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning, and Jack Silvagni—has eased internal tensions. According to former players, criticisms had sparked negativity among some individuals, which affected team cohesion. Over the past few years, a gradual culture shift began following changes in club leadership, including the appointment of Rob Priestley as president and former football executive Graham Wright as CEO. Wright’s recruitment of Chris Davies to oversee the football department has also been pivotal, bringing stability and expertise to the club’s operations.

Fraser’s appointment over senior assistant Ash Hansen was a notable decision by Wright and Davies, given Hansen’s similar detail-oriented style to Voss. Fraser, a former No. 1 draft pick, has been credited with restoring confidence and energy within the squad. He gave opportunities to developing players such as Jaga Smith, Harry Dean, and several others while reshuffling the roles of experienced players, some of whom were relegated to the reserves, signaling a commitment to performance over reputation.

Notably, vice-captain Jacob Weitering was required to play a game in the Victorian Football League (VFL) before returning to senior selection, underscoring Fraser’s meritocratic approach and the broader cultural reset emphasizing accountability and connection. The team’s playing style has visibly evolved toward a controlled kick-and-mark game, improved defensive structures, and a significant increase in uncontested possessions.

Throughout this period, captain Patrick Cripps has maintained that the group remained united despite early setbacks, with the primary change being the tone and voice guiding the team. Fraser’s calm, humble demeanor and his genuine rapport with players have been highlighted as key factors in fostering an environment where the Blues are playing with renewed purpose and confidence as they prepare for the finals series.