Fraser upbeat, Carr ready to reset Power

Carlton defeated Port Adelaide by 22 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, May 23, improving to 2-0 under new interim coach Josh Fraser. The Blues scored 14.11 (95) to the Power's 10.13 (73), with Patrick Cripps tallying 29 disposals and three goals in the victory. Fraser, who replaced Michael Voss last month, called the win enjoyable as his players bought into the new approach. ### What triggered Carlton's coaching change? Michael Voss departed Carlton on April 30 after a 1-5 start to the 2026 season, the club announced. The Blues parted ways with Voss despite his 2025 finals appearance, citing a need for fresh direction amid a five-game losing streak. Josh Fraser, a former Collingwood premiership player and Carlton development coach, stepped in as interim senior coach on May 1. Fraser's first game resulted in a 15-point upset win over Gold Coast on May 10 at Marvel Stadium. ### How did Carlton pull off back-to-back wins? In the Adelaide match, Carlton led by 29 points at halftime after kicking 8.4 to Port's 4.7. The Blues' midfield dominated, with George Hewett recording 28 disposals and eight clearances. Forward Charlie Curnow booted four goals, exploiting Port's defensive lapses. Fraser praised his players' belief post-game: "It's fun winning... the boys are responding." The win lifted Carlton to 12th on the ladder with a 5-6 record. ### Who's stepping in at Port Adelaide? Port Adelaide sacked Ken Hinkley on May 20 after 13 seasons and a 0-2 start under his tenure this year. Assistant coach Josh Carr, who played 223 games for Fremantle and Port from 1999-2012, was appointed interim senior coach. Carr coached West Coast's reserves to a 2025 WAFL premiership before joining Port last year. "We're flickering a bit, but ready to reset," Carr said ahead of his debut. Port sits 15th at 4-7 after the loss. ### What are Fraser's early changes at Carlton? Fraser simplified training sessions and emphasized contested ball work, players told reporters after the Gold Coast win. The Blues won 65 contested possessions against Port, up from 52 in their round 11 loss to Sydney. "We're finding belief," Fraser noted, crediting senior leaders like Cripps and Hewett for setting standards. Attendance at Ikon Park training jumped 40% this week, per club media. ### Why did Port Adelaide struggle against Carlton? Port trailed early after conceding three goals from turnovers in the opening quarter. Star forward Jason Horne-Francis managed 22 disposals but zero goals, held by Carlton's tags. The Power's inaccuracy—10.13—proved costly, as noted by Carr: "We need to reset our standards." Injuries to ruckman Jeremy Finlayson and defender Tom Jonas hampered their structure. ### Where do both teams stand now? Carlton's streak moves them three points clear of the bottom four, with a percentage boost to 92.1%. Port's loss dropped their percentage to 88.4%, intensifying pressure on recruits. Fraser's Blues host Essendon on May 31 at the MCG. Carr's Power travel to face Fremantle at Optus Stadium on June 7. ```