“Masterclass”: Carlton vice-captain endorses Fraser

Jacob Weitering has endorsed interim coach Josh Fraser for the Carlton job on a full-time basis.

The Blues are 9-2 under Fraser since he took over from Michael Voss, but he is yet to formally throw his hat in the ring for the gig.

Asked by Gerard Whateley if he’d like to see Fraser as the permanent coach, co-vice-captain Weitering was effusive in his praise.

“Of course,” he said.

“Any time you get an opportunity to see an individual that you’ve spent time with in two lights - as a line coach for a period of time, and then to go into the head coaching role.

“I guess nobody would have expected (what he’s delivered). I’m not sure what upper leadership were thinking at the time, whether he was an option or not, but the proof is in the pudding a little bit, isn’t it.

“He knows what he’s doing from a coaching standpoint, he’s an incredible connector with the players, and it seems the coaches around him have also thrived and brought their best as well.

“It would be great to see him get it, but as we know these decisions are not up to us.”

Weitering has described Fraser’s performance as a “masterclass” in interim coaching.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I’d say it’s a masterclass in how to interim coach,” the key defender said.

“He’s made it all about the club and all about his team and the players. He’s an incredibly selfless individual. He’s a great family man. He focuses on the player and making sure what’s best for him.

“He’s very consistent with his messaging. He focused on a couple of things when he first came into the job. Leadership meetings are very much the same. He’s always asking for feedback and our opinions and certainly taking it on board.

“At the same time he knows when to challenge us.

“He’s been excellent.”

The other key candidates for the Carlton job include Fremantle’s Jaymie Graham, St Kilda’s Corey Enright, Geelong assistant James Kelly and Hawthorn development coach Daniel Giansiracusa.

Fraser’s Blues currently sit 10th ahead of a crunch clash against 11th-placed St Kilda with massive wildcard implications at Marvel Stadium on Sunday night.

Weitering is a chance of returning for Spud's Game against the Saints having missed the last eight matches with a calf injury.