FOOTY'S worst-kept secret has been confirmed – Josh Fraser is officially Carlton's new full-time senior coach.

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

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.

>> WATCH FRASER SPEAK LIVE FROM 12.30pm AEST IN THE PLAYER BELOW

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.

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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.

"I have always had ambitions to be a Senior Coach and what the last three months have done is give me the absolute belief that I am ready, and most importantly ready for this exact opportunity, to be Senior Coach of the Carlton Football Club," Fraser said.

"When I was told by Rob, Graham and Chris that I had been appointed as senior coach, that sense of appreciation and responsibility I felt in that moment will never be lost on me.

"I firmly believe I am a product of amazing people around me. The collective commitment to each other and to get better every day in order to improve our football club is a privilege to be part of, and rest assured we want to continue to raise the standards in that regard.

"I also want to take this opportunity to thank our members, supporters, players, staff and the entire Carlton Football Club community for the incredible support they have shown me. The one-club mentality is a responsibility for all of us to carry and I have seen first-hand just how special that is.  

"Continuing that connection is going to make what we are building sustainable. We know that as a club we still have a lot of work to do, but we are going to bring our people with us every step of the way. I can't wait to see us embrace the work that will give us the best chance of achieving the ultimate success." 

Carlton football boss Chris Davies thanked the other candidates - a group that included Corey Enright, James Kelly and Jaymie Graham - and said Fraser was the standout even without his remarkable run of success while in charge after Voss' departure. 

“Even if you removed the last 14 weeks, on his presentation alone Josh would have been the successful candidate,” Wright said.  

“Having run all candidates through a thorough and detailed process, for Josh to have emerged as the standout candidate speaks volumes of not only his credentials as a coach, but also the qualities he brings as a leader."