Interim coach Josh Fraser spoke to the media ahead of the Round 17 clash with Richmond and Ollie Florent’s 200th game.
On the upcoming match against Richmond:
“It’s clearly a big game for us and for them. They’ve spoken about wanting to disrupt the finals mix up, and the teams above them.
“For us, it’s very much about doubling down on what we’ve been trying to achieve and finding ways to keep getting better. They’re a dangerous opponent, a young side and hungry team. We have to be weary.”
On finals aspirations:
“We’ve been very process driven...That won’t change whilst I’m in the role.
“I still think we’re in the mode of building great habits and trying to set the Club up moving forward. The outcomes will be what they will be: for me personally, it’s about staying narrow focussed and making sure we train well today.
On the change in second-half performances:
“We’ve focused a lot on our connection and being able to manage different moments in games and momentum shifts.
“It’s come back to our training and the habits we’re building, the connection that we’re building within the group and our roles we’re executing.”
On Patrick Cripps and his growth as a leader:
“’Crippa’s’ journey here has been quite incredible when you consider the load he’s carried for the football club.
“To see him grow as a leader and be really happy and content with those around him, the style of football we’re playing and his role within that... it’s really important to have that player ownership as well.
“‘Cripp’ has driven that quite heavily, and part of his growth has been delegating and giving others responsibility as well.”
"It’s what I’m most proud of. It was pretty tough, but the ability to galvanise and stick together and find a way to make something of the year.”
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 1, 2026
Patrick Cripps on adversity breeding resilience, "needing to grow up" and building momentum.https://t.co/g4dliVZNzW
On the support from Carlton fans:
“It’s been incredible…I’ve been fortunate enough to be with another big club in Collingwood and seen the support that they’ve had consistently, albeit through a period of time where they’ve been consistently winning games of footy and playing finals.
“Carlton hasn’t quite had that exposure, but the support has been huge - and I get the sense at the moment our supporters are enjoying the way we’re playing.”
“The outcomes are obviously the reward for that, but the way we’re going about it is really important and it’s great to see that it’s energising our fans.”
On Jacob Weitering:
“It will be a really considerate approach as to how we rehab him from here and get him back, and give him every chance to be part of the season still.
“It’s a re-injury and one that will be considered: we will explore every option to make sure he’s right to return.”
On Ollie Florent’s milestone game and the impact he’s had at the Club:
“He’s been huge. He has his calm presence, good leadership and experience, playing a really important role for us at half-back.
“He fits in really well with the group and he’s really added to our culture, as well as Will Hayward and Benny Ainsworth.
“For Ollie to be playing 200 games, it’s a great achievement and I’m happy he’s doing it in a Carlton jumper.”
Tom McLachlan is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
