Fraser: Blues building belief and momentum

Josh Fraser said Carlton's back-to-back wins were giving his players "belief" after the Blues beat Yartapuulti by 34 points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. The caretaker coach moved to 2-0 in charge as Carlton followed its round-10 win over the Western Bulldogs with a 13.14 (92) to 8.10 (58) result on the road. Fraser said the result reflected work the side had been doing "all year" and more intensely over the previous fortnight. Patrick Cripps again led the way, producing 31 disposals, eight clearances, a goal and nine score involvements in the round-11 win. ### What did Fraser say the two wins have changed inside Carlton? Josh Fraser said the main effect of winning was on the mood and connection of the group, rather than on any single tactical point. "I think it builds belief," Fraser said after the match, adding that winning gave players "affirmation of the work you're putting in." He said the group looked "connected" and "happy" and had been heading that way for a while. (afl.com.au) Saturday night's result was Fraser's second win from as many games since taking over as caretaker. AFL.com.au's match report said Carlton improved to 3-8, the same win-loss record as Yartapuulti after 11 rounds. ### How did Carlton win at Adelaide Oval? Patrick Cripps drove Carlton's midfield from the start, with AFL.com.au reporting that the captain had 19 touches and a goal in the first half as the Blues built a match-defining 35-point lead. (afl.com.au) George Hewett added 26 disposals and a goal, Sam Walsh had 28 disposals and a goal, and Jagga Smith collected 27 disposals as Carlton's on-ball group got on top. (afl.com.au) Carlton's forwards spread the scoring load. Mitch McGovern, Will Hayward and Brodie Kemp kicked two goals each, and the Blues led at every change on their way to the 92-58 win. AFL.com.au described it as a strong away performance that preserved Fraser's perfect start in charge. (afl.com.au) ### Why did Fraser single out Jagga Smith after the game? Jagga Smith drew praise from Fraser as the young Blue continues to spend more time in midfield after beginning the season in a half-back role. Fraser said Smith was "incredibly driven to be a great player" and "in a hurry," and added that he had taken on leadership in what Fraser called effectively his first year of football after missing last season with a pre-season knee injury. (afl.com.au) The AFL.com.au match report listed Smith among Carlton's best midfield contributors in Adelaide, alongside Cripps, Hewett and Walsh. ### What were the setbacks and selection issues from the win? Matt Carroll suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, and Fraser said the club would wait for scan results before knowing the severity. (afl.com.au) Fraser said he was hopeful the damage was not too great. (afl.com.au) Jacob Weitering missed the trip with a calf issue, while Zac Williams was managed out of the side, according to AFL.com.au's team news. Fraser said Weitering was expected to return next week and that Williams was also a chance to face Geelong. ### What comes next for Carlton? (afl.com.au) Carlton's next game is against Geelong at the MCG on Friday, May 29, with the match scheduled for 7:40 p.m., according to the MCG and Carlton fixture pages. Fraser said that game would be "a tough challenge" as he tries to maintain his unbeaten record as caretaker. Geelong entered the weekend in third place on the AFL ladder, while Carlton sat 15th after round 11. (afl.com.au) (carltonfc.com.au) (mcg.org.au)