CONTINUING to build belief.
Ahead of a King's Birthday Eve clash with the arch rival, Interim Coach Josh Fraser said Carlton needed to target its consistency as it chases a fourth straight win.
Speaking to media on Wednesday morning, here's what he had to say.
On what recent form has done for the group:
“It was pleasing we were able to plan and prepare the way we did, and then execute for the most part over four quarters. That’ll continue to build belief amongst our playing group. Bouncing into the Club this week, we’ve got a new challenge in the Bombers on Sunday night: it’s important we maintain a lot of the things we’ve been able to execute and continue to build our brand.”
On the biggest positive from last week’s game:
“The process around how we’re preparing for games and the way we’re executing, our coaches have done a great job through the week in setting our players up as well as we can. We’ve had a big focus on improving our training standards, individual growth moving forward and getting better.
“To see that come through on game day reasonably quickly, we’re still building consistency in that space - the player ownership of that and the way our coaching group is working together, we’ve got a long way to go and we’re far from a finished product. But we’re seeing signs, we need to build consistency with that.”
On the resilience within the playing group:
“There’s an enormous amount of resilience in the group. For me, it’s been a growth mindset. Over time with resilience, if you continue to get a similar result, that can chip away at you.
“Being able to flip the psyche around how we get better and what that looks like, how we tinker and set the program up from Monday to Friday and how considered we’ve been in that space, that’s giving players a lot of energy. That’s a process that’ll be ongoing. In terms of how we help the Club move forward, that process is going to help us move forward.”
On what he’s learned from recent weeks:
“It’s reaffirmed a lot of the things that I’ve been able to experience over my coaching journey. I’ve referenced being fortunate to coach my own teams in the past, you get an opportunity to test that knowledge over time. The conversations in terms of the empowerment of the playing group and people around you is something that has really resonated with me.
“Then there are bits and pieces around the conversations you have and how important they can be from conversation to conversation - I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity so far, and I feel like I’m continuing to still learn.”
On where the group can get to by year’s end:
“I’m really big on not looking too far ahead. Where we’re at as a club, it has to be about how we stack training sessions, what our habits look like - that’s going to be really important heading into this week. Training today is important for us, the way we execute.
“We take a week-by-week approach: given where we’ve been and where we’re at, we can’t afford to look too far ahead. That’s the process part that I’m enjoying most with our playing group, it’s keeping us present to what we need to execute and what we need to do. That challenge will continue to mount as the season goes on.”
On preparing for the Bombers:
“We always prepare for the opposition’s best footy. They’ve shown in patches throughout their games that while they’ll be disappointed with the results, they’ve shown an ability to challenge opposition teams - we saw that in Gather Round against Melbourne.
“Their ability to try and outnumber contest and control the ball in different ways, that’ll test our ability to stay really present and proactive to the way we have to manage contest and defend the ground. We’re also aware of the changes they’ve had recently and what that can do for a team.’
On using the Essendon rivalry throughout the week:
“To a degree, but it doesn’t have to be the cornerstone of your preparation. There’s an awareness of the history between the two clubs, I dare say the Bombers might be leaning into that as well. I think if that’s the only thing we focus on, we’ll take our eye off what we need to be focused on. There’s an awareness of it, but we’ve got a game plan to execute.”
On players getting closer to a return:
“Nic will train today and we expect him to get through and be available. Other than that, Ollie Hollands is nearing a return - we’ve got some guys edging closer to putting their hand up. We’re relatively healthy.”
On AI being used in his coaching:
“I’m learning about the impact AI can have, I’ve really enjoyed it. We’re experimenting what that looks like, it’s not the only thing we’re leaning into. There’s a place for it. I’ve realised you only get a few cracks at ChatGPT before you have to upgrade, so I’ve recently upgraded.”
On continuing to wear the hoodie:
“That’s a thing, isn’t it? My son brought that to my attention. I’ll keep wearing it I think.”
