Many media outlets said that Wright contacted McCrae around August last year and asked him
If he was interested in coaching
McCrae said no. Don’t forget Wright was at Carlton all of 2025 but most of that till August was shadowing Cook
When Wright was asked on 3 AW this year whether this happened he obviously denied it.
But he isn’t a good liar. 70 % of communication between adults is tone of voice and body language

If Blues CEO Graham Wright did ask the question of McRae - and he has consistently denied that he or anyone associated with the club did so - then so what?

It is up to a club boss to know what is available when he decides to rubber-stamp the final season of his coach’s career.

Surely that’s not a scandal, it’s just good business practice.

Last year when the club considered whether to replace Michael Voss the replacements were few and far between.

Adam Simpson and John Longmire weren’t interested in considering opportunities, Ken Hinkley had only just moved on from Port Adelaide, and even if Craig McRae did get asked the question over Carlton he said no.

If Blues CEO Graham Wright did ask the question of McRae - and he has consistently denied that he or anyone associated with the club did so - then so what?

It is up to a club boss to know what is available when he decides to rubber-stamp the final season of his coach’s career.

Surely that’s not a scandal, it’s just good business practice.

But 12 months on there is no doubt all of Simpson, Longmire and Hinkley are keen to coach.

Whether it is right now and whether it is at Carlton is another thing altogether.

But there will be a senior coach with genuine experience who will consider the Blues.

2. WHY DOES THE TIMING MATTER?

Because the club will have to move on Voss and give the club enough separation before running a process that could involve people who know him well and in fact have extremely strong relationships.

Simpson has already said he can’t coach Carlton in the foreseeable future because he has an informal mentoring role with Voss.

Hinkley had Voss as a long-time assistant coach at Port Adelaide.

Neither of them could see Voss sacked then apply for the job instantly.

They might both decline the role anyway.

But Carlton needs to be able to put space between moving on from Voss and starting a process so they can give themselves the best possible chance to entice an elite field.

Those coaches need the passage of time to pass so they can’t be seen to jump in only days after their great friend was given the heave-ho.

Luke Beveridge seems to be the common name.