Josh Fraser returns to AFL level, Northern Bullants appoint successor
Josh Fraser’s role in the Northern Bullants’ comeback has earnt him an AFL coaching role and his Ants successor has already been named.
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Northern Bullants remarkable revival has seen coach Josh Fraser rewarded with a return to the AFL.
The 1998 No.1 draft pick will return to Collingwood as the head of development having steered the Bullants to three wins in their comeback VFL season.
It will be Fraser’s first time at the Holden Centre since departing as a player in 2010.
He took the reins of Gold Coast’s reserves after his playing days before returning to Melbourne as a development coach at Carlton and coach of the Northern Blues.
The historic Preston club was almost forced to fold after Carlton pulled out of its VFL-AFL alignment in 2020, making Fraser redundant and he played a key role in the club’s revival.
In a message to members, Fraser paid tribute to everyone who made this season possible.
“When I reflect on the journey we have been through to re-establish the club as a standalone entity from the ground up it gives me enormous pride,” he said.
“Throughout all the challenges thrown our way we embraced and adapted together as a football club and did things ‘The Preston Way’ with every effort and intention of keeping this famous club alive.
“The Bullants are about the people. Coaches, medical, high performance, and volunteers have made this club special.
“I have so much admiration and respect for our players.
“Their love for the club, jumper and each other was evident in the way they played, they played with unconditional Ant’s Spirit and I am a better coach for having been involved with this group.”
The Bullants finished 18th in the revamped 22-team VFL-East Coast competition this season.
The club’s first win ironically came against Carlton, before the Ants knocked off reigning premier Richmond and claimed the Battle of Bell Street against Coburg.
And it didn’t need to look far to find Fraser’s replacement.
Two-time Adelaide premiership-winner and Australian Football Hall of Famer Ben Hart will take the reins in 2022.
Hart served as an assistant coach at AFL level for more than a decade, holding roles at Adelaide and Collingwood.
“I’d like to congratulate Josh on his return to the AFL, having worked very closely with him over the past 12 months I am positive that with his knowledge, skillset and professionalism he will be an extremely valuable asset,” Hart said in a message to members.
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“He has played an integral part in rebuilding this historic and successful football club, he certainly epitomises the Preston way.
“When I first arrived at Preston I was captured by its people, its passion and the very evident Bullants Spirit.
“I am excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to coach this wonderful football club and continue to build on the fantastic work that has been done by so many in the past as we look forward to a bright future.
“We will continue to strive for greatness on and off the field, to connect with our community, to grow, operate and play in a way that will make our people proud to be a part of the Northern Bullants.”
Originally published as Josh Fraser returns to AFL level, Northern Bullants appoint successor
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