IT WAS the lesson Carlton needed. A reminder that wins aren't just going to come easily in 2027, according to coach Josh Fraser.

Despite a remarkable run under interim, now confirmed head coach Fraser, in which it lost just three games from 16 starts, it all ended on Friday evening up against a Geelong freight train.

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"You're not given anything in this game, and the competition will improve. So, what we've been able to do in the back end of the year is not going to be good enough going into next season," Fraser said following the 33-point elimination final loss to the Cats.

"We understand that, and we'll make sure that, again, we're very deliberate in terms of how we set up parts of our summer to ensure that we're better placed.

"There has to be an acknowledgement that we need to get to work."

There was a reluctance to celebrate what has been achieved by the side this year, while also acknowledging what Carlton's ride to a wholly unexpected finals berth has done to the club and its supporters.

"Mixed emotions. So, proud of the work that we've put in to get to this point, I think that that achievement in itself is something worth celebrating for our group. And then there's the stark reality that there's more work in front of us, which is a message that I've given every week," Fraser said.

"We know exactly where we're at. Tonight was disappointing, and we certainly don't want to be a club that lives in mediocrity.

"So, again, acknowledgement of the work that's been put in. The players deserve a lot of credit, so do our staff and our coaching group. But we don't want to be a club that's satisfied with finishing eighth. I think we were outplayed, they outplayed us … Probably one of the things that I carry with me is our supporters and how connected they are to the way we've been able to play.

"I think that's been something that's been quite special, and again, significant turnout tonight."

Fraser explained that the past four months have given him "a handle on the character of the group and the spirit" but that individual growth needed to continue heading into next year.

The Blues have been linked with Western Bulldogs defender Buku Khamis and Sydney forward Joel Amartey in recent weeks, but Fraser is keen to add depth across the ground throughout the upcoming trade and draft period.

"Without giving a bland answer, I think (what they're targeting) is quite broad. I think we can build our midfield depth, I think we could build our key position stocks, and there's players on our list that we want to continue to develop as well," Fraser said.

"I'm not sure if it's one specific thing we're chasing, as opposed to considering what we've got, what growth and upside we have in those players, and then looking to add where we can.

"But it'll be a holistic approach to who makes us better."