VFL 2018: Josh Fraser set to lead Northern Blues again next year after strong finish to season

JOSH Fraser says he is “heavily invested” in Northern Blues as he prepares to lead the VFL club as coach for a fourth season in 2019.

Josh Fraser coach of Northern during VFL footy: Northern Blues v Coburg on Saturday, August 11, 2018, in Epping, Victoria, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

JOSH Fraser says he is “heavily invested” in Northern Blues as he prepares to lead the VFL club as coach for a fourth season in 2019.

The former Collingwood and Gold Coast Suns ruckman has overseen significant change in the Blues’ playing stocks this year, but has been buoyed by his youthful team’s late-season surge.

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The Blues were 2-9 after 14 rounds but claimed four wins from their last seven matches to finish 12th.

While his side finished outside the top eight for the seventh consecutive year, Fraser said the strong finish was evidence of the club’s potential.

Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser ponders his options from the coaches box. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Some coaches use it as a stepping stone to become an AFL assistant or line coach,” Fraser said.

“I don’t really view it that way. I am really invested in the VFL program and the development of both Carlton and Northern players.

“I treat it as a club. I am lucky I have got a role at Carlton working in development, but also the opportunity to help shape and mould a culture at Northern Blues.”

Former AFL players Jesse Palmer (Port Adelaide) and Sam Fisher (Sydney) are likely to vie for the club’s best-and-fairest award after pushing their cases for a second opportunity at the elite level throughout 2018.

Blues skipper Tom Wilson and ex-West Coast and Western Bulldogs forward Josh Hill were also prominent, while young guns Ethan Penrith, Mason Blakey and Alex Federico appear long-term VFL players.

Josh Fraser (right) has a chat with Carlton’s senior coach Brendon Bolton. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

“We are really confident we’re on the right track,” Fraser said. “A lot of these boys need another good summer under their belt and I think they are going to be better players again.”

Fraser is contracted to lead the VFL team again next year and revealed a host of key players had expressed their desire to recommit to the club.

“It’s a role that I love doing,” he said.

“I am pretty heavily invested in the Northern Blues and the direction we are going.”

The Blues closed their season with a 14-point loss to Essendon on Saturday.

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