Josh Fraser stands out as a remarkably unassuming figure in the world of coaching. Free from corporate jargon and grandiose promises, he has instead focused on revitalizing a demoralized team. His ability to connect with players has yielded impressive results, evidenced by the recent performance of Carlton, which showcased a strong win against the reigning champions, Brisbane.
Before last weekend’s triumph, where Carlton defeated Brisbane 24.10 (154) to 11.12 (78), the team was largely viewed as a mid-tier contender. While they had shown improvement under Fraser’s leadership, many did not consider them a serious threat to the league’s elite. However, their commanding victory against Brisbane marked one of their best performances since the start of the 2024 season, reminiscent of a significant comeback earlier in the year.
Strong performance against Brisbane
The Blues executed their game plan with remarkable speed and precision, effectively utilizing handball strategies and dominating Brisbane’s midfield. Notably, the team’s young players shone brightly, with six of them aged 21 or younger. The contributions of former list manager Nick Austin, who was dismissed shortly after Michael Voss, have come to light. His high draft picks, Harry Dean and Jagga Smith, are now considered among the top young talents in Australia. Additionally, players like Talor Byrne, Billy Wilson, and Cooper Lord have exceeded expectations, proving crucial in the recent match against Brisbane.
Upon being drafted, Dean revealed his competitive nature, attributing it to his mother. Given his father’s legacy as a player, it’s clear that competitiveness runs deep in the family. Dean is on a path to potentially share the Rising Star award with Smith, who not only had a stellar game but also earned the Robert Walls medal, bringing the much-needed speed and skill that the team had been lacking. Fraser’s guidance has clearly helped unlock Smith’s potential.
Brisbane’s struggles and future challenges
The outcome of the match surprised many, particularly since Brisbane had been on a seven-game winning streak. Typically, the Lions take their time to assess their opponents, akin to Novak Djokovic’s strategic approach in early rounds of a five-set match. However, this time, it was the Blues who took control. In the past, a significant halftime lead would have caused anxiety among Carlton supporters, especially with three quick goals from Brisbane before the break. Yet, the Blues maintained their momentum throughout the game.
Brisbane’s performance was notably underwhelming. After the first quarter, the team appeared disorganized and lacking discipline. Players were seen arguing, missing set shots, and hastily playing on despite being out of bounds. The 2026 season has highlighted defensive issues for the Lions, some attributed to injury misfortunes, while others stem from a midfield that, barring Josh Dunkley, often neglects its defensive responsibilities. This match marked the eighth time they conceded over 100 points this year. Brodie Kemp scored four goals in a brief span, capitalizing on contested marks that would have been easily dealt with by Brisbane’s defense in previous seasons. Following Ty Gallop’s suspension, Eric Hipwood was forced into a defensive role, which is not his natural position. The absence of Ryan Lester due to injury compounded their defensive woes. Despite these challenges, it would be foolish to dismiss Brisbane entirely, as their upcoming match against Hawthorn at the Gabba is set to be pivotal for their season.
