CARLTON is expected to finalise a decision to appoint caretaker coach Josh Fraser on a permanent basis in the coming days.

The Blues have finalised their coaching search, with Fraser to win the role after helping to steer a remarkable turnaround in the club's form in the second half of the season.

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Fraser has guided the Blues to an incredible 10-1-2 record and sealed the most unlikely of wildcard berths with Sunday's draw against the Western Bulldogs.

He only decided to go through the process last week, having initially been cautious with his commentary on the position, but finally presented to the selection panel last Wednesday.

Fraser was the last to join a five-person shortlist for the position – alongside St Kilda's Corey Enright, Fremantle's Jaymie Graham, Geelong's Josh Kelly and Hawthorn's Daniel Giansiracusa – but quickly shot to favouritism for the job.

The 44-year-old, a former No.1 pick who played 218 games for Collingwood and Gold Coast, only returned to Ikon Park as an assistant under former coach Michael Voss earlier this season.

He had previously held stints coaching Carlton's VFL affiliate the Northern Blues, as well as Gold Coast's NEAFL side and Collingwood's VFL team.

Fraser took over Carlton as caretaker coach in May following Voss' departure, with the Blues 1-8 at the time of his appointment.

But the weight of the side's results, the manner of their performances and their surging charge towards finals saw Fraser quickly emerge as Carlton's main man for the job.